PS3503 


Silken  Thomas 


Copyright,  1918,  By 
Samuel  Byrne. 


(V  , 

t^w-  C4/v'^vw-v&  i*^--  /V(|t»A^»  y^h-  A^^<V  1 


Published  by  the  Author  at 
420  North  Highland  Avenue,. 
Pittsburg,  Pa. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


An  Irish  Historical  Drama. 


Period:  1535-37 


By  Samuel  Byrne.  V/ 


Ye  Geraldines  ! Ye  Geraldines  ! 

When  Silken  Thomas  flung 
King  Henry’s  sword  on  council  board 
The  English  Thanes  among; 

You  never  ceased  to  battle  brave 
Against  the  English  sway 
Till  axe  and  brand  and  treachery 
Your  proudest  cut  away. 

Thomas  Davis. 


BOSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 
CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASS. 


fS'a  ?t3 

Y f s-r 

PERSONS  REPRESENTED. 


Silken  Thomas,  who  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  was 
appointed  by  his  father,  the  Earl  of  Kildare,  and  Lord 
Deputy  of  Ireland,  to  fill  the  latter  office  during  the 
Earl's  absence  in  England,  whither  he  has  been  sum- 
moned by  King  Henry  VIII  to  answer  political  charges 
which  had  been  made  against  him  by  his  enemies  in 
Dublin. 

Monsignor  MacHugh,  an  Irish  prelate,  who  has 
returned  from  Spain. 

The  O’Byrne,  an  Irish  Chieftain  in  Wicklow. 

O’Donnell,  an  Irish  Chieftain  in  Tyrconnell. 

Sir  James  De  La  Hide,  member  of  the  Council  of 
State  in  Dublin;  a friend  of  Lord  Kildare. 

Lord  Radley,  aged  about  fifty,  a titled  Englishman, 
charged  with  a secret  mission. 

Allen,  Secretary  to  the  Council  of  State,  Dublin, 
and  nephew  to  Archbishop  Allen,  who  was  for- 
merly Lord  Chancellor  of  Ireland. 

Taunton,  Governor  of  Newgate  Jail,  Dublin. 

Gerard,  a jailor  in  the  secret  pay  of  Radley. 

Two  English  Workmen.  English  Soldiers  who 
escort  Silken  Thomas  to  the  gallows. 

Moira,  bride  of  The  O’Byrne,  and  sister  of 
O’Donnell. 

Councillors  oe  State,  courtiers,  soldiers,  O’Don- 
nell’s Clansmen,  armed  with  muskets,  swords  and 
pikes. 

Jerry,  Barney,  and  Mike,  Strolling  Minstrels. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/silkenthomasiris00byrn_0 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


7 


ACT  I. 

Scene  I. — Rural  landscape,  the  grounds  adjoining  the 
Castle  of  The  O’Byrne  in  Imail,  in  the  County  of 
Wicklow. 

[Enter  tzvo  of  O’Donnell’s  Soldiers.] 

First  Soldier  (looking  around  him)  : I felt  sure  it 
was  Larry  O’Donovan  who  was  coming  this  way. 
It  looked  very  like  him,  anyhow. 

Second  Soldier:  It  was  Larry,  allright.  I could  tell 
him  from  his  walk  if  he  was  half  a mile  away.  He 
must  have  turned  into  that  wood  over  there. 

First  Soldier:  I am  anxious  to  see  him  because  I 

have  a pleasant  surprise  for  him.  This  morning  I 
met  a cousin  of  his  who  has  been  living  here  for 
years,  and  who  would  like  to  hear  some  news  about 
his  kinsmen  up  in  Tyrconnell. 

Second  Soldier:  He’ll  certainly  be  glad  to  see  that 

cousin ; for  he  was  talking  to  me  about  him  not 
long  ago,  and  he  said  he  had  not  heard  from  him 
for  years.  Isn’t  this  Imail  a fine  country? 

First  Soldier:  Indeed,  it  is  a fine  country,  as  you  say, 

this  Imail. 

Second  Soldier:  We  haven’t  any  scenery  like  it  up  in 

our  Northern  land  of  Tyrconnell,  but  ours  is  fine, 
too.  It’s  of  a different  style.  Sure,  we  have  all 
sorts  of  scenery  in  Ireland — a variety  that  doesn’t 
exist  in  any  other  clime.  And  I’m  not  saying  that 
because  you  and  I are  natives.  I’ve  heard  members 
of  our  clan  who  traveled  all  over  Europe  say  so. 
Just  think  of  all  the  different  kinds  we’ve  passed 
through  in  our  long  but  leisurely  and  very  pleasant 
march  to  this  place,  escorting  our  beloved  chieftain, 


:8 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


The  O’Donnell,  Prince  of  Tyrconnell,  and  his  beau- 
tiful and  only  sister,  the  Princess  Moira,  who  this 
morning  was  wedded  to  The  O'Byrne,  the  Prince 
of  Imail. 

First  Soldier:  And  the  historic  spots  that  we've  seen 
— especially  the  battlefields.  I can’t  recall  half  that 
the  Shannakee  told  us.  We  saw  the  ruins  of  the 
Sassenah  castle  at  Clones  that  was  destroyed  by  the 
victorious  soldiers  of  The  O’Neill  in  1212;  Drumliff, 
where  Godfrey  O’Donnell  conquered  the  allied 
armies  of  the  Viceroy  and  Fitzgerald;  Kilmainham 
and  Killechin ; Knockvoe,  where  the  Sassenah’s 
superior  numbers  defeated  our  dauntless  native 
forces;  and  Monabraheer,  where  the  defeat  of 
Knockvoe  was  grandly  avenged. 

Second  Soldier:  Ay;  grandly  avenged,  as  you  rightly 
say.  Your  mentioning  of  those  battles  makes  me 
long  to  be  engaged  in  one. 

First  Soldier:  And  I too.  When  they  called  us  the 
“Fighting  Race”  they  made  no  mistake.  We're 
born  soldiers,  every  one  of  us ; and  when  we  haven't 
an  opportunity  of  fighting  the  common  enemy  we 
fight  a little  amongst  ourselves,  just  to  keep  in 
practice. 

Second  Soldier:  I hope  we'll  soon  get  a chance  to 

have  a whack  at  the  Sassenah. 

First  Soldier:  So  do  I,  with  all  my  heart. 

[Exeunt] 

[Enter  Jerry , a bagpiper . He  looks  around  as  if 
seeking  somebody .] 

Bagpiper:  What's  keeping  my  two  fellow-artists?  I 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


9 


thought  I was  a little  late,  but  I find  I am  the  first 
at  the  rendyvoo. 

[Looking  to  the  right.] 

A fine  castle  he  has  indeed,  The  O’Byrne,  the 
young  chief  who  got  married  this  morning.  I wish 
them  joy  all  their  lives,  which  I hope  will  be  long 
ones.  I’ll  play  a tune  to  pass  away  the  time  till  my 
colleagues  come. 

[Sits  down  on  rustic  seat  and  plays  a jig. 

If  the  audience  applauds  at  the  end,  he  says]  : 

Oh ! wait  till  by-and-bye,  when  we  all  play 
together.  Ah,  here’s  one  of  them. 

[Enter,  Mike,  a Harpist .] 

Harpist:  So  you’re  here  already,  Jerry? 

Jerry:  What’s  the  use  of  asking  me  such  a question 

as  that?  Don’t  you  see  I’m  here? 

Harpist:  You’re  always  ready  with  an  answer,  Jerry. 

Jerry:  What  did  the  Lord  give  me  a tongue  for? 

Harpist:  Did  yeh  hear  the  latest  news? 

Jerry:  About  what,  Mike? 

Harpist:  I’m  told  that  all  the  clans  are  going  to  be 

united  at  last. 

JERRY:  That’s  good  news,  if  it’s  true.  Is  there  any 

special  reason? 

Mike  : Special  reason ! Why,  there’s  every  reason  why 

they  should  be  united.  How  can  we  ever  beat  the 
Sassenah  if  we’re  quarrelling  among  ourselves  all 
the  time? 

Jerry:  True  for  yeh,  Mike.  It’s  time  they  were  driven 
out  of  the  country.  Talking  about  the  Sassenah, 
did  yeh  hear  what  happened  to  Patcy  Brogan’s 
Sassenah  landlord  in  the  County  Dublin? 


10 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Mike:  I didn’t. 

Jerry:  The  very  day  he  evicted  Patcy  and  his  family 

and  took  possession  of  his  farm,  he  fell  sick,  and 
I hear  he's  getting  worse  all  the  time. 

Mike  : The  divil’s  skewer  to  him ! Here’s  Barney 

Donovan  with  his  fiddle. 

[Enter  Barney,  a Fiddler .] 

Jerry:  Late  as  usual,  Barney,  for  our  rehearsal.  It’ll 

soon  be  time  to  go  into  the  castle. 

Barney  : It  wasn't  my  fault,  I tell  you.  I met  Tim 

Hoolahin  and  his  colleen ; and  he  begged  of  me,  like 
a cripple  at  a cross-roads,  to  play  them  a dancing- 
tune.  And  she  said  to  me : “Ah ! Barney,  do.” 

And  how  could  I refuse  her,  with  that  sweet  voice 
and  coaxing  look  of  hers  that  would  soften  the 
heart  of  an  anchorite? 

JERRY : Did  anybody  tell  yeh  how  Tim’s  grandmother 

won  a gold  coin  by  her  ready  wit  the  other  day? 
Mike:  No. 

Barney:  I didn’t  hear  of  it. 

Jerry:  They’re  so  poor,  yeh  know,  after  so  much  sick- 

ness in  the  family  and  a bad  crop,  that  she  sits  in  a 
chair  in  the  road  on  fine  days,  and  offers  to  pray 
that  the  good  wishes  of  people  passing  by  may  be 
granted,  if  they  give  her  a little  alms.  That  close- 
fisted  Jim  McMullen  and  his  wife  were  passing. 
They  got  married  a few  weeks  ago,  you  know.  The 
woman  beckoned  to  them,  and  they  went  over  to 
her  and  asked  her  what  she  wanted.  She  told  them. 
Miserly  Jim,  who’s  as  crooked  as  a dog’s  hind  leg, 
bad  cess  to  him ! tried  to  avoid  giving  her  a little 
money,  although  his  wife  urged  him.  He’s  a bit 
clever,  you  know ; and  so  he  says : “How  could  I 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


II 


have  a wish  to  make?  Am’n’t  I married  to  Kath- 
leen, and  so  am  the  happiest  man  in  the  world  ?” 
She  was  more  than  his  match.  She  answered  him 
right  away:  "But  could  yeh  not  wish  to  be  always 
as  happy  as  y’are  now?”  That  fixed  him.  He 
opened  his  purse,  and  as  there  happened  to  be  noth- 
ing there  but  gold  coins,  that  he  had  just  taken  out 
of  the  bank,  he  gave  her  one  of  them. 

Barney:  Did  you  ever  hear  how  the  Irish  jig  was 

originated,  and  where? 

The  Others:  No. 

Barney  : In  the  Garden  of  Eden. 

JERRY:  Whisht,  you  omadhawn;  how  could  the  Irish 

jig  have  been  invented  in  Paradise? 

Barney:  I’ll  tell  yeh.  As  soon  as  Adam  saw  Eve  he 

felt  interested  in  her,  and  no  wonder;  for  she  was 
a pretty  colleen,  by  all  accounts.  He  smiled  at  her, 
and  she  smiled  back  at  him.  Then  they  stepped 
away  from  each  other  a little,  to  have  a good  look 
at  each  other.  They  fell  in  love  with  each  other 
right  away.  Then  they  kissed  each  other.  No;  Pm 
wrong:  He  kissed  her  and  she  returned  the  com- 
pliment; and  to  show  how  happy  they  were  they 
danced  fornist  each  other,  in  jig  style.  And  that’s 
when  and  where  the  Irish  jig  began. 

Mike  : That  beats  all. 

Jerry  : Now  that  we’re  all  here,  let’s  proceed  with  our 

practice. 

[They  play  several  tunes.] 

Jerry  : They  may  be  ready  for  us  now.  Let  us  not 

wait  to  be  called.  Come  on. 

[As  they  are  going  off  Phelim,  one  of  The 
O’ Byrne's  soldiers , enters .] 


12 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Phelim:  What  a beautiful  day  it  is  for  a wedding! 

One  would  think  that  nature  had  purposely  put  on 
her  festival  attire  for  the  occasion.  And  the  lovely 
Princess  Moira  deserves  all  the  honors  that  can  be 
bestowed  upon  her  on  this  joyful  day,  when  she 
joins  her  sweet  young  life  to  that  of  our  noble  Chief. 
( Looking  upward)  Her  eyes  are  more  prettily  blue 
than  that  sky  above;  and  the  love-light  that  gleams 
and  glitters  in  them  to-day  makes  the  sun  look  like 
the  moon  in  comparison  with  it. 

[Exit] 

[Enter  Moira.  The  sounds  of  the  minstrels' 
music  come  from  the  castle . She  listens  to  them 
with  a smile;  and  then  sings  the  following  song]  : 

My  heart  with  joy  is  overflowing, 

And  all  around  is  bright  and  gay ; 

Love’s  perfumes  rare 
Suffuse  the  air; 

For,  Oh,  this  is  my  wedding  day ! 

My  wedding  day ! 

My  wedding  day ! 

No  sweeter  words  a maid  can  say. 

The  leaves  in  brightest  emerald  glisten ; 

The  flow’rs  their  daintiest  tints  display; 

Each  passing  breeze 
Laughs  through  the  trees ; 

For  Oh,  this  is  my  wedding  day! 

My  wedding  day ! 

My  wedding  day ! 

No  sweeter  words  a maid  can  say. 

The  lark  his  merriest  notes  is  warbling; 

The  throstle  chants  his  softest  lay; 

Love’s  light  outgleams 
The  sun’s  best  beams ; 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


13 


For  Oh,  this  is  my  wedding  day ! 

My  wedding  day ! 

My  wedding  day! 

No  sweeter  words  a maid  can  say. 

[Exit  into  the  castle.  Pheum  re-enters . Suddenly 
looking  to  the  right]  : 

What's  that?  It  looks  like  the  body-guard  of 
a Prince.  Who  is  he,  I wonder?  And  they  are 
coming  in  this  direction.  I must  tell  The  O’Byrne 
about  it. 

[Exit] 

[Re-enter  Minstrels ] 

Jerry:  What’s  that?  Oh,  bedad!  here’s  the  young  Lord 

Deputy,  Silken  Thomas,  the  noble  son  of  the  great 
Earl  of  Kildare.  I know  him  by  his  rich  costume, 
his  youthfulness,  and  his  guards.  He’s  a fine  fel- 
low, I’m  told — puts  on  no  airs  because  of  his  posi- 
tion or  his  aristocratic  family,  but  makes  free  with 
all  alike. 

Mike:  I’m  glad  to  hear  that.  I don’t  like  those  mem- 

bers of  high  families  who  act  as  though  they  be- 
longed  to  a superior  order  of  beings  altogether. 

[They  play ] 

[Enter  Silken  Thomas  in  a resplendent  white 
costume , a white  silken  fringe  on  his  helmet  and 
the  same  on  the  helmets  of  the  soldiers  who  follozv 
him , preceded  by  pages.] 

Silken  Thomas  : Good  morrow,  boys ; I hope  you  are 

well.  You  look  as  if  you  were. 

Jerry:  Good  morrow  and  joy!  my  lord.  We  are  all 

well,  God  be  praised ! 


14 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Silken  Thomas:  I am  glad  to  hear  it.  You  have 

come,  I suppose,  to  furnish  music  at  the  wedding 
feast  which,  I understand,  is  going  on  in  The 
O’Byrne’s  Castle? 

Barney:  Yes,  my  lord. 

Jerry:  We’ve  just  had  a little  rehearsal;  and  we’re  all 

in  good  fettle,  as  you  will  soon  find  out.  They  tell 
me,  my  lord,  that  you  like  to  sing  a song  yourself 
once  in  a while. 

Silken  Thomas:  Yts;  I try  to  sing  sometimes. 

Mike:  I hope  you’ll  kindly  favor  us  with  one  at  the 

wedding  feast.  I’ve  never  heard  a lord  sing,  and, 
Faith ! I’d  like  to  hear  one.  It  must  be  fine. 

Mike  : Ay,  indeed ; it  must  be  great. 

Silken  Thomas:  Not  at  all.  It  is  nothing  of  the  kind. 

Music  and  song — all  the  arts,  in  fact — place  all  of 
us  upon  the  same  level ; and  as  to  proficiency  in  any 
of  them,  the  peasant  oftentimes  surpasses  the  prince. 
In  bestowing  gifts  like  these  Nature  makes  no  dis- 
crimination, or,  if  she  does,  she  invariably  favors 
the  humble  and  lowly.  I would  wager  that  each 
of  you  is  a better  singer  than  I. 

Musicians:  No,  no. 

Silken  Thomas:  Now,  don’t  be  too  sure.  You  may 

be  disappointed. 

[Exeunt  Silken  Thomas  and  his  escort  ( to  left)  fol- 
lowed, after  a pause,  by  the  Musicians .] 

[Enter  O’Byrne  and  O’Donnell  from  right, 
conversing . ] 

O’Byrne:  I am  glad  that  you  are  fond  of  hunting  and 

fishing,  for  we  can  provide  you  with  lots  of  both 
in  this  district  during  your  stay,  which  I hope  will 
not  be  short. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


15 


[Enter  Piielim] 

Pi-iEum  (to  O’ Byrne)  : A distinguished  visitor  has 

arrived  at  the  castle — the  young  Lord  Deputy,  Lord 
Thomas  Fitzgerald,  the  son  of  the  Earl  of  Kildare* 

O’Byrne  : What  can  be  the  purpose  of  this  unexpected 

visit  of  Silken  Thomas? 

O’Donnell:  Silken  Thomas/  Is  that  what  you  call 

him  here? 

O’ByrnE:  That  is  the  name  they  give  him  in  Kildare 
and  Dublin. 

O’Donnell:  Why? 

O’Byrne  : His  mother,  who  has  been  dead  for  some 

years,  was  so  fond  of  him  that  she  always  insisted 
upon  his  wearing  rich  silken  garments;  and  now 
that  she  is  no  more  he  continues  to  do  so  out  of 
respect  for  her  memory.  His  personal  guards,  too, 
wear  a white  silken  fringe  in  their  caps.  As  you 
know,  his  father,  the  Lord  Deputy  of  Ireland,  the 
personal  representative  of  the  English  King  in  this 
country,  appointed  him  in  his  own  place,  notwith- 
standing his  youth — he  is  only  21  years  of  age — 
during  his  absence  in  London,  where  he  has  been 
suddenly  summoned  by  King  Henry  to  answer 
serious  charges  that  have  been  made  against  him  by 
the  Sassenah  members  of  his  Council  of  State. 

O’Donnell  : I did  not  know  he  was  so  young.  Such  a 

lofty  and  responsible  position  requires  not  only  some 
statemanship,  but  also  some  knowledge  of  men  and 
of  political  affairs. 

O’Byrne  : You  may  depend  upon  it — his  father  knew 

what  he  was  doing  when  he  appointed  him.  He  has 
trained  the  youth  well.  A fault  of  Silken  Thomas 
is  that  he  is  impulsive  and  is  inclined  to  be  rash.. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


s6 


That  disposition  he  inherits  from  his  father.  But, 
apart  from  that,  he  is,  they  tell  me,  clever  and  wise 
beyond  his  years.  He  is  a scholar,  a patriot,  and  a 
good  swordsman. 

O’Donnell  : I shall  be  glad  to  make  the  acquaintance 

of  so  picturesque  a personality. 

O’Byrne:  Come  on,  then;  and  I shall  introduce  you  to  . 

him.  But  here  he  comes  in  search  of  me. 

[Enter  Silken  Thomas,  Moira  and 
Monsignor  MacHugh.] 

O’Byrne:  ( Shaking  Silken  Thomas'  hand).  I am 

delighted  to  see  you,  Lord  Thomas.  To  what  cir- 
cumstance do  we  owe  the  honor  and  pleasure  of 
your  presence? 

Silken  Thomas:  I was  travelling  in  this  vicinity,  and 

I heard  that  this  was  your  wedding-day;  so  I have 
come  to  offer  you  and  your  bride  my  felicitations 
and  best  wishes.  For  I remember  having  seen  you 
in  my  father's  house,  Earl's  Court,  near  Dublin,  and 
I have  heard  him  mention  your  name  several  times. 

O’Byrne:  I am  grateful  for  your  kind  thoughtfulness. 

This  is  the  bride  ( presents  Moira  to  him).  This  is 
her  brother,  The  O'Donnell,  the  Chief  of  Tyrconnell 
( presents  O’Donnell  to  him).  And  this  is  Mon- 
signor MacHugh,  lately  returned  from  Spain,  who 
married  us  this  morning,  and  whose  parents  were 
friends  of  mine  ( presents  the  Monsignor  to  him). 

[ Enter  Peasant , running.] 

Peasant:  I beg  a thousand  pardons,  gentlemen.  I've 

been  told  there's  a priest  here.  (O’Byrne  points  to 
Monsignor  MacHugh)  Father,  an  uncle  of  mine 
who  has  been  sick  for  some  time  has  taken  a turn 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


1 7 


for  the  worse.  Our  own  Soggartfi  Aroon  has  just 
gone  on  a sick  call  that  came  from  the  other  end 
of  the  parish  ; and  as  I heard  there  was  a priest 
staying  at  the  Castle  I hurried  here. 

Monsignor:  I must  leave  you  for  a while,  my  friends. 

[Exeunt  Monsignor  and  Peasant.] 

Moira:  I hope  you  will  not  be  detained  long.  (Look- 

ing to  left ) Somebody  is  calling  me. 

[Exit] 

O’Byrne:  (To  Silken  Thomas)  Your  kindly  visit 

is  a new  departure.  Hitherto  the  authorities  in 
Dublin  have  shown  scant  courtesy  to  us  native 
Chiefs. 

Silken  Thomas:  That  is  true;  and  I am  very  sorry 

to  say  so.  But  my  father  has  resolved  to  put  an  end 
to  the  wrongful  system  under  which  the  official 
recognition  and  honor  that  are  due  to  the  princely 
heads  of  our  native  clans  have  been  withheld  from 
them.  And  why  should  he  not  do  so?  Are  we  not 
all  peers  in  rank  and  lineage — brother-patriots  ? 
The  foes  of  Ireland  are  our  common  foes,  and  the 
welfare  of  Ireland  is  our  common  aim. 

O’Donnell  : I am  very  agreeably  surprised  to  hear  you 

speak  like  that 

O’Byrne:  (To  O’Donnell).  Then  you  have  not  yet 

heard  about  his  father’s  grand  project — the  estab- 
lishment of  a National  League  of  Patriots,  whose 
one  aim  will  be  to  make  our  country  prosperous  and 
happy  ? 

O’Donnell:  Oh,  that  was  what  my  uncle  was  going 

to  tell  me  about  before  I started  from  home.  Pie 
had  been  visiting  Dublin ; and  while  there  had  called 


i8 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


to  see  the  Earl  of  Kildare.  As  I was  in  a hurry 
to  begin  my  long  journey  here,  he  told  me  that  it 
would  be  time  enough  to  speak  to  me  about  it  when 
I came  back,  especially  as  it  was  a matter  that 
required  careful  consideration.  And  he  added  that 
perhaps  you  would  discuss  it  with  me. 

O’Byrne  : It  was  certainly  my  intention  to  do  so, 

although  it  is  a little  premature  to  talk  about  it  yet. 

Silken  Thomas:  Before  my  father  set  sail  for 

London,  he  spoke  to  me  enthusiastically  about  it. 
(To  O’Byrne)  I know  that  he  has  been  consulting 
you  and  other  Chieftains  about  it,  and  has  also  men- 
tioned it  to  friends  and  relatives  of  those  whom  he 
has  not  yet  seen  personally. 

O’Byrne  : And  what,  may  I ask,  do  you  think  of  his 
great  design,  Lord  Thomas? 

Silken  Thomas  : My  father’s  views,  purposes,  and 

hopes  are  also  mine. 

O’ByrnE:  Those  manly,  patriotic  words  do  honor  alike 

to  your  head  and  your  heart. 

O’Donnell:  Your  father  can  count  with  the  utmost 

confidence  upon  the  hearty  and  active  support  of 
my  clan;  and  I know  that  he  may  also  rely  upon 
that  of  the  Clan  O’Neill. 

O’Byrne  : Tvrconnell  and  Tyrowen  have  always  been 

staunch  and  true. 

O’Donnell:  And  always  will  be. 

Silken  Thomas:  The  gallant  and  ever  faithful  North? 

O’Donnell:  (aside)  Who  would  have  suspected-such 

warm  patriotism  in  these  Geraldines? 

O’Byrne:  Your  father’s  predecessors  held  very  differ- 

ent opinions  from  his  in  connection  with  the  govern- 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


19 


ment  of  Ireland.  They  did  their  best,  in  fact,  to 
crush  the  patriotic  spirit  in  our  breasts. 

Silken  Thomas:  Alas,  that  is  true.  They  were  mis- 

taken and  misguided.  Otherwise  they  would  never 
have  undertaken  so  futile,  nay,  so  hopeless  as  well 
as  so  unpatriotic  a task. 

O’Byrne  : Hopeless  and  unpatriotic — yes.  In  vain 

they  and  the  heads  of  other  houses  have  waged  war 
upon  our  devoted  clans,  and  have  expended  much 
money  in  efforts  to  corrupt  our  followers.  But  the 
dauntless  spirit  of  our  nationality  has  never  drooped 
and  never  shall  droop;  for  it  is  incorporated  with 
our  blood,  glowing  with  an  unquenchable  flame  in 
our  hearts  and  souls,  the  very  core  and  fibre  of  our 
being,  like  our  old  Faith. 

Silken  Thomas:  Let  us  forget  those  evil  deeds  and 
the  evil  days  when  they  were  done. 

O’Donnell:  Ay,  let  us  forget  them,  and  forgive  them 

too,  in  view  of  the  era  of  peace,  liberty  and  pros- 
perity that  will  soon  begin. 

O’Byrne:  To  hasten  on  the  dawn  of  that  bright  day  a 

great,  popular  and  trusted  leader  is  required — a 
patriot,  a warrior,  and  a statesman,  all  in  one.  Such 
a man  is  your  noble  father.  But  the  question  is : 
Will  the  King  permit  him  to  come  back?  His 
majesty  is  known  to  be  fickle;  and  I have  heard  that 
he  is  jealous  of  your  father’s  growing  popularity 
and  influence  with  our  people. 

Silken  Thomas:  Oh,  there  need  be  no  doubt  whatever 

as  to  his  early  return.  Whatever  charges  have  been 
made  against  him  cannot  be  serious.  Whether  they 
are,  or  are  not,  however,  I feel  certain  that  he  will 
clear  himself. 


20 


STI.KEN  THOMAS 


O’Byrne:  I hope  so.  But  pardon  me  if  I say  that  I 

have  my  doubts  as  to  his  getting  a fair  hearing  with 
the  King  and  his  Councillors. 

Silken  Thomas:  {with  energy,  and  placing  his  hand 

on  the  hilt  of  his  sword)  If  my  father  is  treated 
with  unfairness,  injustice,  or  indignity  by  the  Royal 
Council — yea,  or  by  the  King  himself. — (He  smiles ). 
But  there  is  no  ground  for  alarm.  My  father’s  life 
has  always  been  dominated  by  a passionate  devotion 
to  his  King  and  his  country. 

O’Donnell:  (aside)  How  can  he  really  love  his 

native  land  if  he  is  loyal  to  its  usurping  King? 
(Aloud)  His  King  and  his  country!  Does  not  the 
English  King  account  it  treason  for  us  to  love  our 
native  land? 

Silken  Thomas:  Surely  not.  If  that  were  so  my 

father  and  I would  be  regarded  by  him  as  a pair  of 
traitors. 

O’Donnell  : Some  of  his  representatives  do  certainly 

look  upon  us  native  chiefs  as  traitors — or,  at  least, 
as  rebels. 

Silken  Thomas:  Yes,  I know  that.  But  the  King  is 
not  to  blame  for  that.  His  majesty  desires  that  we 
should  all  be  peaceable,  prosperous  and  contented. 

O’Donnell:  (aside)  Moryah! 

[O’Byrne  smiles.] 

O’Byrne  : But  come,  Lord  Thomas,  and  be  our 

honored  guest  at  the  wedding  feast. 

O’Donnell:  (looking  to  the  right)  A battalion  of 

my  clansmen  is  approaching. 

[Exeunt] 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


21 


( Music  is  heard  in  the  distance , growing  louder 
as  it  comes  nearer — the  March , “O’ Donnell  Aboo !” 
Enter  Soldiers , some  armed  with  swords,  some  with 
pikes,  and  some  with  muskets . They  continue 
marching  for  a minute  or  two,  entering  the  stage  at 
one  side  and  leaving  it  by  another,  and  returning  on 
the  other  side,  thus  conveying  the  idea  that  they  are 
much  more  numerous  than  they  are . 

[Curtain.] 


Scene  II. — The  same  at  night.  Moonlight. 

[Enter  Moira,  bride  of  O’Byrne,  looking  around  her  as 
if  expecting  to  see  somebody .] 

Moira:  What  can  my  brother  mean  by  sending  me  a 

message  by  one  of  his  men  asking  me  to  see  him 
here  alone  about  something  very  important?  Surely 
he  has  not  had  a quarrel  with  my  husband  ? Heaven 
forbid ! Men  of  our  impulsive  race  are  swift  to  get 
angry,  even  over  a fancied  slight  or  insult,  just  as 
they  are  swift  to  forgive  and  forget. 

[Enter  Lord  Radley,  his  sword  in  his  belt.] 

What ! You  dare  to  come  here  again,  after  the 
impudent  remark  you  made  to  me  yesterday!  I 
should  have  told  my  brother  about  it,  or  my  hus- 
band ; but  I forgot  all  about  it  today. 

Radley:  Your  husband?  Oh,  yes;  you  were  married 
today.  What  a winsome  bride  you  are ! That  word, 
“husband,”  coming  from  your  lips,  makes  me 
jealous. 


22 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Moira:  Begone,  insulting  stranger!  ( looking  anxiously 

to  the  right  and  then  to  the  left).  But  my  brother 
will  soon  be  here;  and  when  I tell  him  that  you, 
a Sassenah,  have  been  trying  to  force  your  unwel- 
come acquaintance  upon  me;  that  you  have  been 
rude  to  me — nay,  insulting  to  me — he  will  give  you 
the  thrashing  that  you  deserve. 

Radley  : Rude  to  you ! Insulting  to  you  ! I am  incap- 

able of  being  either  to  any  lady,  and  least  of  all 
to  you,  for  whom,  although  this  is  only  the  second 
time  that  I have  seen  you,  I have  great  respect, 
deep  regard,  sincere  admiration,  and — do  not  chide 
me  for  its  hasty  growth — genuine  affection.  When 
I saw  you  walking  alone  here  yesterday  I said  to 
myself : “There  is  the  prettiest  and  most  charming 

woman  I have  ever  seen.”  I at  once  made  inquiries 
about  you,  and  got  all  the  information  I desired. 
I have  a proposal  to  make  to  you 

Moira:  How  dare  you  talk  like  that  to  me? 

Radley:  Wait  a moment,  Lady  Moira — you  see,  I 
know  your  name;  and  a sweet  one  it  is  (Aside:)  I 
shall  first  try  to  touch  her  imagination  with  a few 
poetical  phrases  that  I memorized  this  morning 
when  I devised  this  scheme  for  having  a private 
interview  with  her.  (Aloud:)  If  you  grant  my 
request  you  will  find  my  castle  across  the  sea  to  be 
a veritable  palace-bower  of  love,  where  gorgeous 
garments,  costliest  jewels,  and  gold  in  profusion 
shall  be  yours ; with  vassals  to  do  your  bidding, 
accomplished  musicians  to  fill  the  air  with  rapturous 
melodies  and  choicest  flowers  to  suffuse  it  with 
dreamy  perfumes ; where  yours  shall  be  halcyon 
days  and  ambrosial  nights. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


23 


Moira:  {Aside)  Is  he  a lunatic?  or  is  he  sane  and 

serious?  {Aloud:)  If  you  are  in  your  right 
senses 

Radley:  I am,  I assure  you.  Why  do  you  ask  me 

such  a question? 

Moira  : Then  I say  that  you  know  little  about  the 

daughters  of  Erin  if  you  think  that  the  poorest,  the 
lowliest,  of  them  could  be  thus  lured  from  the  path 
of  virtue.  Love  may  tempt  them.  Gold  can  not. 

[Enter  O’Byrne  unobserved.] 

O’Byrne:  That  sounds  like  Moira's  voice.  {Sees 
Moira  and  Radley.)  What!  Can  I believe  my 
eyes?  Moira,  my  bride  of  this  morning,  talking 
here  in  the  dark  to  a strange  man ! What  does  it 
mean?  I’ll  try  to  be  patient. 

Radley:  Nicely  spoken,  fair  champion  of  your  coun- 

trywomen. But  you  forget  that  women  are  the 
same  all  the  world  over.  Sex  and  passion  have  no 
nationality.  I am  a noble 

Moira:  Noble! — in  an  ironical  sense.  That  princely 

word  has  no  application  to  men  like  you. 

Radley:  {Irritably)  Don’t  interrupt  me,  please.  I amr 

a member  of  the  nobility 

Moira:  Nobility  can  never  be  allied  with  dishonor. 

Radley  : I am  prominently  connected  with  King 

Henry’s  court,  and  have  been  charged  with  a special 
mission  in  this  country  at  present.  The  important 
work  which  I was  specially  sent  here  to  do  is 
finished;  and  I shall  soon  set  sail  for  home.  If  you 
are  wise  you  will  avail  yourself  of  the  magnificent 
opportunity  that  I offer  you ; you  will  come  with 
me 


24 


SILKEX  THOMAS 


Moira:  ( Looking  to  the  right  and  left ) What  keeps 

my  brother  ? Oh,  that  he  or  my  husband  were  here ! 

Radley  : Your  brother  is  not  coming.  It  was  I who 

arranged  this  romantic  rendez-vous  by  having  a note 
sent  to  you  purporting  to  come  from  him. 

Moira  : Dishonorable  trickster ! Scoundrel ! Reprobate ! 

Nobody  with  a spark  of  manliness  left  in  him  would 
stoop  to  so  mean,  cowardly  and  despicable  a subter- 
fuge as  this. 

O’Byrne:  (Aside)  Good!  God  bless  you,  Moira! 

(D razes  his  szvord .) 

Radley:  It  was  a lover’s  stratagem.  All  things,  they 

say,  are  fair  in  love  and  war.  Now,  listen  to  me, 
and  be  sensible.  What  prospects  have  you  here? 
A rebel’s  wife;  a rebel’s  home — what  a precarious 
life  and  lot!  I can  send  your  husband  to  a dungeon 
or  to  the  headsman’s  block  whenever  it  pleases  me 
to  do  so.  So  you  see,  your  destiny  and  his  are  both 
in  my  keeping.  Yield  to  my  desire,  then — with 
feigned  reluctance,  if  you  will — but 

Moira  : Our  destinies  are  in  the  hands  of  God.  Begone, 

you  loathsome  Sassenah! 

Radley:  You  spurn  and  defy  me,  eh?  Then  I shall 

change  my  methods.  I have  given  you  a chance 
to  yield  with  grace  and  dignity.  Now,  goaded  by 
your  insolence,  I shall  use  force.  Come;  I’ll  stand 
no  further  trifling.  My  carriage  is  waiting  for  us 
close  by.  (Advances  to  Moira)  You  shall  be  mine! 
(Puts  his  arm  aroicnd  her)  You  are  mine! 

[Moira  Screams.] 

O’Byrxe  : Stand  aside,  Moira  acushla,  lest  by  accident 

my  sword  should  touch  you.  (To  Radley. ) Villain ! 
You  shall  expiate  this  outrage  with  your  life. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


25 


Radley:  ( defending  himself  with  his  sword.)  What! 

Listening  all  the  time!  Foolhardy  lout!  You  are 
courting  death,  and  you  shall  win  it. 

[They  Fight.] 

Radley:  ( Warding  off  O’Byrne’ s attacks  with  diffi- 

culty and  retreating  step  by  step ) — This  rascal 
fights  like  a fiend.  I did  not  bargain — Ho,  men! 
draw  near ! Haste ! Haste ! 

(O’Byrne  by  a skillful  turn  of  his  sword 
wrenches  Radley's  from  his  hand.  Radley  quickly 
jumps  back ; four  soldiers  in  red  coats  rush  on  the 
scene  with  drawn  swords  and  attack  O’Byrne). 

O’Byrne:  ( Fighting  them  furiously ) Come  on!  Come 

on ! a dozen  of  you  Sassenah — ay,  a hundred ! 

Moira:  ( Clasping  her  hands  in  distress ).  Help  him, 

O Heaven ! in  this  unequal  struggle. 

Radley:  ( Examining  his  clothes  and  feeling  his  body). 

No  blood!  No  wounds!  I could  have  sworn  I felt 
his  blade  prod  me  somewhere.  How  lucky  it  was 
that  I had  my  men  near!  ( To  his  men)  Disarm  him. 
Do  not  kill  him.  His  time  has  yet  to  come. 

[O’Byrne  is  Overpowered.] 

Good ! Now  hold  him  fast  and  take  him  to  the 
carriage.  I’ll  take  his  bride  along.  ( Puts  his  arm 
around  Moira  again.) 

Moira:  ( Looking  to  the  right.)  Thank  God!  My 

brother,  accompanied  by  some  of  his  men,  is  coming. 

Radley:  ( Looking  in  the  same  direction) — Quick, 

quick ! A lot  of  rebels  are  approaching. 

(Moira  escapes  from  his  grasp  and  runs  to  the 
left.)  Curses  on  them!  She  has  escaped  from  me. 
But  I shall  catch  her  soon. 


26 


SIUCEN  THOMAS 


O’ByrnE:  You  old  profligate!  If  you  ever  hurt  a hair 
of  her  head  Til  run  my  sword  through  your  evil 
heart. 

[Exeunt] 

( Enter  O’Donneee  with  several  of  his  followers.) 

O’Donneee:  ( to  Moira.)  I heard  angry  voices  and 

the  clash  of  swords  in  this  direction;  and  hastened 
hither.  What  was  the  fight  about  and  who  took  part 
in  it?  And  what  brings  you  here,  Moira  dear? 

Moira:  ( Excitedly ) — A middle-aged  man  who  claims 

that  he  belongs  to  the  English  nobility  was  in  this 
neighborhood  yesterday,  and  had  the  impudence  to 
try  to  get  into  a conversation  with  me.  I repulsed 
his  rudeness  and  walked  on.  A little  while  ago  he 
lured  me  here  by  sending  me  a message  supposed 
to  have  come  from  you,  asking  me  to  meet  you  here 
in  reference  to  an  important  subject.  Foolishly  un- 
suspicious, I came.  He  had  arranged  to  abduct  me. 
A carriage  and  several  armed  men  were  waiting 
close  by,  concealed  in  the  darkness.  O’Byrne  hap- 
pened to  be  near  when  he  seized  me.  They  fought ; 
but  his  men  rushed  to  his  assistance,  overpowered 
O’Byrne,  and  took  him  to  the  carriage.  He  had 
begun  to  drag  me  along  when  I fortunately  tore 
myself  from  his  grasp ; and  then,  thank  Heaven ! 
I saw  you  coming.  But  you  must  hurry  and  catch 
up  to  them. 

O’Donneu,  : My  dear  sister,  when  you  received  that 

strange  message  you  ought  to  have  doubted  its 
authenticity.  But  there  is  no  time  to  talk  about  it 
now.  I’ll  take  half  a dozen  of  my  horsemen  and 
start  immediately  in  pursuit  of  those  Sassenah  ruf- 


CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASS. 

SILKEN  THOMAS  2? 

fians;  and  it  will  go  hard  with  me  if  I don’t  soon 
overtake  them. 


[End  oe  First  Act.] 


28 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


ACT  II. 

Scene  I. — Rural  landscape,  the  grounds  adjoining  May- 
nooth  Castle,  the  ancestral  home  of  the  Earls  of 
Kildare. 

[Enter  Monsignor  MacHugh.] 

Monsignor:  ( Looking  around  him , smiling ) How  I 
do  love  this  dear  old  land  of  mine!  Nowhere  else 
is  the  sky  so  tenderly  blue  or  the  grass  so  refresh- 
inglv  green,  or  the  flowers  so  varied  and  beautiful. 
Land  of  pure  and  lovely  womanhood  and  of  brave 
and  virtuous  manhood ! I esteem  myself  highly 
privileged  to  be  numbered  amongst  your  sons. 
There  is  hardly  a mountain  of  yours  that  has  not  its 
mystery,  a valley  that  has  not  its  legend,  a castle 
or  a cabin  that  has  not  its  romance.  Prosperity  and 
happiness  should  always  be  your  portion. 

[He  advances  a few  steps.] 

[Enter  Silken  Thomas,  attended  by  pages . On  seeing 

Monsignor  he  pauses  and  listens  unobserved  by  him.] 
Oh,  what  pure  joy  it  is  to  be  alone 
With  Nature  in  her  kindliest  mood,  as  now 
She  is,  suffused  with  summer’s  noon-day  warmth, 
And  canopied  in  fleckless  blue,  uplifting 
The  heart  that  is  responsive  to  the  spell 
Of  Beauty,  Poesy,  and  Music,  as 
The  mystic  glamor  of  a starry  night, 

By  Cynthia’s  subtile  radiance  solemnized, 

Fills  with  a sad-sweet  ecstasy  the  mind 
Whose  brighter  gleams  have  passed  through  Pas- 
sion’s prism. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


29 


( He  pauses , and  looks  towards  the  castle .) 
There  stands  Maynooth,  the  castle  of  Kildare, 
Whose  noble  son  with  honor  fills  his  post, 

Till  to  his  native  country  he  returns. 

I come  to  sue  for  justice. 

Silken  Thomas  {Aside) : 

Justice  thou 

Shalt  have,  and  generosity  as  well. 

Monsignor  {gazing  upward) : 

In  casual  currents  of  our  highest  thoughts 
We  sometimes  catch  a momentary  glimpse 
Of  the  Almighty’s  plans;  and  our  rapt  minds 
Rise  from  our  bodies  and,  in  awe  sublime, 

Sense  dimly  some  of  Life’s  great  mysteries. 

[He  pauses  and  reflects ] 

Silken  Thomas  {Aside) : 

I shall  be  glad  to  make  a bosom  friend 
Of  this  philosopher.  And  willingly 
I shall  comply  with  his  request  at  once. 

Monsignor  : 

O holy,  changeless  and  undying  Church! 

Whose  only  aim  is  man’s  true  welfare  here 
And  everlasting  bliss  beyond  the  tomb ! 

Benignant  mother,  whose  most  gladsome  task 
Is  timely  rescue  of  the  outcast  souls 
That,  shipwrecked,  famished,  aimless,  hopeless,  roam 
The  bleakest  shores  of  life’s  uncharted  seas. 

Heaven  speed  the  destined  day  when  all  mankind 
With  grace-illumined  vision  shall  behold 
The  light  divine  that  marks  thy  mystic  way 
Athwart  the  ages ! — that  same  sacred  light 
Of  which  wise  Socrates,  that  pagan  saint, 


30 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


While  vaguely  yearning  for  the  coming  Faith, 

Once  saw  a far-off  foregleam.  Had  he  lived 
Till  Christ,  the  Keystone  of  the  Arch  of  Time, 
Humanity’s  Expectance  and  Desire, 

Arrived  on  earth,  as  had  been  prophesied, 

How  joyed  he  would  have  been  ! But  I must  go 
To  see  Lord  Thomas. 

Silken  Thomas  ( stepping  forward ) : 

He  is  here. 

(Monsignor  starts ) Surprised 

At  this,  my  sudden  apparition?  Well, 

Anon  I shall  explain  it. 

( Holds  out  his  hand  to  Monsignor) 

Welcome  here! 

Monsignor  : 

This  condescension,  this  politeness,  fill 
My  heart  with  gratitude,  Lord  Deputy. 

Silken  Thomas: 

No  condescension  this.  As  man  to  man, 

Or,  if  thou  wilt,  as  friend  to  friend,  I greet  thee. 
Monsignor  : 

Friendship!  Ennobling,  Heaven-born  sentiment! 
Surpassing  woman’s  tenderest,  truest  love, 

And  more  enduring!  May  it  not  be  said 
That  friendship  is  the  better  part  of  love? 

Silken  Thomas  : 

It  may,  I think,  with  truth.  But  let’s  postpone 
This  philosophic  conversation  till 
A more  appropriate  time  encourages 
Us  to  pursue  it  farther.  I assure 
Thee  that,  thine  obvious  scholarship  aside, 

The  sacred  office  that  thy  garb  proclaims 
Commands  my  deep  respect. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


31 


Monsignor  : 

Thou  hast  the  mien 

Of  one  who  recently  hath  felt  the  pang 
That  smites  the  fresh  and  glowing  heart  of  Youth 
When  from  his  dreamy  height  he  must  descend 
To  Manhood’s  prosy  plain,  mayhap  to  dwell 
With  minds  o’er  which  bright  Fancy  never  flung 
Her  opalescent  glamor — souls  whose  thoughts 
Ascend  no  higher  than  their  sordid  selves, 

Whose  aims  and  aspirations  are  confined 
Within  the  stinted  scope  of  their  dull  view. 

To  have  much  wealth,  to  have  much  pleasure — these 
Their  life-ambitions  are.  With  that  base  kind 
’Twill  chill  thine  ardent  nature  to  consort. 

Silken  Thomas: 

But  I meet  nobler  minds — just  now  thine  own, 

That  with  the  gems  of  highest  knowledge  gleams. 
(Smiling.)  I overheard  thee  but  a moment  since 
Robing  in  simple  but  becoming  words 
Some  rare  and  holy  thoughts. 

Monsignor  : 

Amongst  our  chiefs. 

And  their  devoted  clansmen,  there  are  men 
Who  with  the  virtues  that  exalt  a race, 

And  nurture  heroes,  richly  are  endowed. 

Our  Irish  peasants  are  a race  apart : 

The  fervor  of  their  Faith  e’er  keeps  them  true, 
Through  all  her  trials,  to  their  motherland; 

Their  Keltic  ardor  makes  their  Faith  sublime — 
Untitled  nobles  in  their  humble  lives, 

And  saints  uncanonized  when  they  are  dead. 

Silken  Thomas: 

That  generous  eulogy  they  well  deserve. 


32 


SILKEN  THO&AS 


Monsignor: 

My  lord,  to  crave  a favor  at  thy  hands 
I have  come  hither. 

Silken  Thomas: 

What  is  thy  request? 

[Enter  Radley,  unobserved;  he  hides  behind  a 
tree  and  listens .] 

Monsignor  : 

A royal  courtier,  from  across  the  sea, 

Made  an  audacious  effort  to  abduct 

The  bride  of  The  O’Byrne,  the  gallant  chief 

Of  Wicklow,  on  their  very  wedding  day. 

Silken  Thomas: 

O’Byrne’ s fair  bride!  Why,  I called  there  myself 
To  wish  them  joy  that  day. 

Monsignor  : 

I saw  you  there. 

Silken  Ti-iomas: 

A very  pleasant  time  we  had.  I am 
Amazed  to  hear  that  such  a happy  day 
Was  closed  with  such  a grievous  incident. 
Monsignor: 

He  trapped  her  by  a letter  falsely  signed 
As  written  by  her  brother,  who  had  come 
Down  from  the  trusty  North.  The  Wicklow  chief 
Arrived  in  time  to  baffle  his  design. 

They  fought;  and  The  O’Byrne  disarmed  the 
wretch, 

But  soon  was  overpowered  by  his  men, 

Bound,  and  forthwith  to  Dublin  carried  off. 

In  Newgate  Jail  he  is  imprisoned  now. 

Silken  Thomas  ( Angrily ) : 

And  has  it  come  to  this : That  in  our  land 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


33 


No  longer  Innocence  and  Virtue  may 
In  the  broad  light  of  day  go  forth  without 
Incurring  risk  of  insult  at  the  hands 
Of  titled  ruffians? 

Monsignor  : 

Outrages  like  this 

Should  not  occur  in  our  old  motherland, 

That  has  for  many  centuries  enjoyed 
A high  repute  in  Christendom — a nation 
Meant  by  the  Almighty  to  be  pure  and  free, 
Contented,  prosperous,  and  progressive;  where 
Justice  and  wisdom  should  harmoniously 
Blend  in  enlightened  statesmanship;  and  where 
Both  peasant  and  patrician  equal  rights 
Should  have  before  the  law,  just  as  they  have 
In  Holy  Church’s  eyes. 

Silken  Thomas: 

And  such  a country 

Ours  soon  will  be,  if  God  will  only  spare 
My  father  to  achieve  the  purposes 
He  has  so  close  at  heart — unless,  alas ! 

Another  period  of  destructive  strife 
And  widespread,  cruel  suffering  remains 
In  store  for  her.  There  is  a prophecy 
Of  which  I heard  some  time  ago,  which  said 
That  after  being  for  an  age  the  home 
Of  ripest  scholarship  and  brilliant  minds, 

She  would  pass  through  an  era  of  distress 
And  fearful  persecution. — 

Monsignor  : 

I recall 

That  prophecy.  It  is  by  Malachy, 

The  Irish  saint  who,  for  all  future  time, 


34 


SICKEN  THOMAS 


Foretold,  in  mottoes  brief  yet  clear,  the  fate 
And  personality  of  every  Pope. 

It  was  recorded  by  a brother-saint 

Who  knelt  beside  him  when  he  passed  away. 

These  are  his  words — I well  remember  them : 

“This  prophecy,  upon  his  dying  bed, 

He  made  with  tearful  eyes;  and  I have  writ 
His  words  exactly  as  he  uttered  them : 

‘Island  of  Saints  and  Teachers  in  the  past, 

Island  cf  Martyrs  in  the  time  to  come 
For  several  hundred  bitter  years;  and  then 
Island  of  missionaries  who  shall  spread 
The  Faith  through  mighty  nations  yet  unknown; 

. Peace,  unity,  contentment  thine  at  iast.’  ” 

Silken  Thomas: 

Let  us  devoutly  hope  those  years  of  woe 
That  he  predicts  have  now  all  run  their  course. 
Monsignor  : 

God  grant  thy  hope ! And  now  the  favor  I 
Have  come  to  ask  of  thee  today. 

Silken  Thomas: 

A strict 

Investigation  shall  at  once  be  made 
Into  this  villainous  outrage.  Rest  assured 
Tomorrow  The  O’Byrne  shall  be  released. 
Monsignor  : 

Say  not : “Tomorrow.”  That  day  ne’er  shall  come.. 
In  yonder  fuller,  endless  life  today 
Shall  be  tomorrow  for  eternity, 

And  yesterday  shall  ever  be  today. 

Silken  Thomas: 

At  once,  then,  I shall  send  a messenger 
To  Taunton,  Governor  of  Newgate  Jail. 


SIDKEN  THOMAS 


35 


The  Wicklow  Chief  his  freedom  shall  regain 
Before  the  setting  of  another  sun. 

[Enter  Page] 


My  Lord,  an  officer  with  urgent  mien 
Awaits  thee  at  the  Castle. 

Silken  Thomas  : 

Who  is  he? 


Page  : 

Fegrus  O’Donnell. 
Monsignor  : 


Brother  of  the  bride 


Of  Chief  O’Byrne. 


Silken  Thomas: 

Go  tell  him  his  request 
Is  granted  ere  he  gives  it  verbal  form. 

Ask  him  to  stay  and  be  my  guest. 


[Exit  Page] 


Before 


My  father  went  to  London,  he  convened 
His  councillors  at  Drogheda,  and  there 
He  gravely  handed  me  his  sword  of  state. 

“Wear  thou  this  sword  till  I return,”  he  said, 

“The  symbol  of  the  King’s  authority. 

Upon  the  path  of  justice  keep  thy  feet. 

Be  guided  by  my  council.  Thou  art  young, 

Though  wise,  and  needest  their  mature  advice. 

I am  now  in  the  eventide  of  life. 

And  thou  art  in  its  forenoon.  Act  thy  part 
So  that  thy  day,  howe’er  at  times  o’ercast, 

In  honor’s  mellow  sunset  shall  decline. 

Farewell,  my  son.  We  nevermore  may  meet 
This  side  the  grave,  May  God  thy  footsteps  keep!” 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


36 

Monsignor  : 

A dignified  farewell,  with  sorrow  tinged, 

As  if  the  shadow  of  impending  woe 
O’ercast  his  thought. 

Silken  Thomas: 

His  voice  was  trembling,  too. 

As  though  his  heart,  that  stout  and  fearless  heart, 
Quailed  at  the  prospect  of  approaching  doom. 

My  own  is  troubled  since  he  went  away. 

Monsignor  : 

But  is  there  aught  to  fear? 

Silken  Thomas: 

Naught  that  I know. 

Monsignor  : 

Then  let  the  buoyancy  of  early  youth, 

Which  still  is  yours,  assert  itself  again. 

Silken  Thomas: 

The  stately  functions  that  I now  discharge 
O’ertax  my  limited  capacity. 

They  are,  besides,  quite  foreign  to  my  taste. 
Monsignor  : 

That  thou  possessest  all  the  needed  gifts 
Which  could  distinction  bring  to  one  who  fills 
The  post  that  now  is  thine,  oft  have  I heard 
Since  I arrived  from  Spain,  a brief  sojourn 
To  make  amongst  my  relatives;  and  that 
Thou  art  not  only  wise  beyond  thy  years, 

But  that  thou  hast  already  given  proof 
That  thou  art  motived,  in  thy  public  acts. 

By  that  rare  intuition  which,  combined 
With  something  of  the  science  and  the  art 
Of  higher  politics,  proclaims  the  statesman. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


37 


Silken  Thomas: 

If  such  a good  report  of  me  is  current 
Amongst  our  people,  'tis  not  merited. 

'Tis  to  my  father  that  the  credits  due. 

A born  aristocrat,  of  lineage  long, 

His  sympathies,  his  heart,  have  ever  been 
With  that  democracy  which  still  persists 
Since  classic  Greece's  ancient,  golden  age ; 

And  shall  persist,  I do  believe,  throughout 
The  future  ages  of  humanity. 

Monsignor  : 

Thou  art  acquainted,  then,  with  classic  lore? 

Shaken  Thomas: 

Yes;  I have  read  much,  and  have  studied,  too, 

The  volumes  which  I thought  were  worth  the  pains. 
But  though  no  small  amount  of  time  I've  spent 
Acquiring  knowledge,  wisdom,  culture,  from 
The  silent  voices  of  the  lettered  dead, 

Yet  they  are  not  congenial  to  a man 
With  such  a temperament  as  I have.  Spain ! 

Didst  thou  assert  thou  hast  arrived  from  Spain, 
That  land  with  which  we  Irish  have  so  long 
Had  friendly  and  commercial  intercourse? 
Monsignor  : 

Yes ; in  that  country  now  my  duties  lie. 

What  other  portion  of  the  Master's  field 
I next  must  labor  in,  I know  not  yet. 

Sieken  Thomas: 

Each  has  his  own  appointed  course  to  run. 

There  is  at  times  a tumult  in  my  heart 
That  bodes  for  me  a course  of  noisy  strife. 

The  battlefield  is  my  ancestral  home ; 

The  measured  tramp  of  troops,  the  clash  of  steel, 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


8 


The  musket's  rattle,  and  the  cannon’s  roar, 

The  groans  of  dying  foes — these  martial  sounds, 
And  these  alone,  make  music  in  my  ear. 

But  thine,  my  friend,  is  bloodless  warfare;  thine 
The  peaceful  conquests  of  rebellious  souls, 

Who,  in  thy  triumph,  and  their  own  defeat, 
Unfeignedly  rejoice. 

[ Taking  Monsignor’s  arm\ 

Come;  be  my  guest. 

[Exeunt] 

Radley:  ( Leaving  his  hiding-place .)  I have  a two- 
fold object  in  paying  this  brief  visit  to  Maynooth. 
In  the  first  place,  I want  to  make  this  serious-minded 
and  highly-gifted  youth  believe  that  I am  a loyal 
friend  of  his  father ; and  in  the  second,  I want  to 
study  him  a bit,  for  my  own  satisfaction.  His  char- 
acter perplexes  me.  He  is  only  a boy  in  years ; but 
in  demeanor  and  also,  I have  been  told,  in  conversa- 
tion, he  is  a man.  How  lucky  I was  to  come  at  the 
moment  I did,  when  that  prelatical  friend  of  the 
Wicklow  rebel  was  asking  him  for  an  order  for  his 
release!  I must  intercept  that  order  by  all  means. 

[Enter  Allen,  Secretary  of  the  Lord  Deputy's 
Council , Dublin .] 

Allen:  You  here,  Lord  Radley!  This  is  an  unex- 

pected meeting. 

Radley:  Now  that  our  plot  against  his  father  is  near- 

ing success  I thought  it  advisable  to  have  a pleasant 
chat  with  Lord  Thomas,  with  the  object  of  disarm- 
ing any  suspicion  he  may  have  entertained  about 
me,  and  of  giving  him  the  impression  that  I am  one 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


39 


of  the  best  friends  and  sincerest  admirers  his  father 
has. 

Allen  : ( smiling ) It  won’t  take  you  long  to  make  him 

believe  that. 

Radley  : What  pressing  business  brings  you  here  ? 

Allen  : It  is  urgent,  but  not  very  important.  I mislaid 

an  order-in-council  which  I should  have  presented 
to  him  with  others  for  his  signature  after  the  last 
meeting;  and  as  I don’t  expect  him  back  in  Dublin 
this  week  I came  here  with  it.  I went  to  your 
residence  a couple  of  days  ago  to  have  a talk  with 
you,  but  was  informed  that  you  were  out  of  town. 
Another  amorous  adventure,  I suppose? 

Radley:  Your  supposition  is  correct. 

Allen  : Anything  special  ? 

Radley:  Very  special — a young  woman  who  is  more 

attractive  to  me  than  any  I have  ever  met  before. 

Allen  : You  are  in  luck. 

Radley  : I am,  and  I am  not. 

Allen  : A dubious  phrase. 

Radley:  It  is  a dubious  case. 

Allen  : She  is  young,  you  say.  Is  she  married  or 

single — maid,  wife  or  widow? 

Radley:  She  is  all  three. 

Allen  : You  are  trying  to  humbug  me. 

Radley  : I’m  not.  Let  me  explain.  I was  after  some 

other  game  when  I accidentally  saw  her  alone.  I 
tried  to  engage  her  in  conversation ; but  she  repulsed 
me  with  that  exasperating,  frigid  air  which  the 
vicious  as  well  as  the  virtuous  can  put  on.  Her  dis- 
dain made  her  all  the  more  charming,  all  the  more 
desirable,  to  me. 

Allen  : That  is  only  natural. 


40 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Radley:  But  there  is  an  indefinable  something  about 

her  that  has  thrown  a passionate  spell  over  me.  To 
possess  that  Irish  Diana  would  be  for  me  the  very 
acme  of  pleasure.  You  can  ’help  me  to  accomplish 
my  purpose. 

Allen  : I ! How  ? 

Radley  : I learned  that  she  was  to  be  married  the  fol- 

lowing day.  I made  arrangements  to  carry  her  off. 
The  plan  I adopted  failed  of  success  by  a mere  acci- 
dent. Her  bridegroom,  a rebel  chief,  happened  to 
come  along  just  as  I was  about  to  carry  her  to  the 
coach  that  I had  waiting  nearby.  There  was  a sharp 
scuffle;  and  we  made  a prisoner  of  him.  He  is  in 
Newgate  Jail,  Dublin,  now,  charged  by  me  with 
treason  against  his  majesty  the  King.  As  you  know, 
we  can  imprison  any  number  of  these  Irishmen, 
high  or  low,  on  that  charge,  and  keep  them  in  jail 
as  long  as  we  like  without  any  trial  at  all.  This, 
however,  is  an  exception.  He  is  a personal  friend 
of  Lord  Thomas. 

Allen  : But  what  can  I do  to  help  your  amorous 

enterprise  along? 

Radley:  If  this  Irish  chieftain  were  out  of  my  way 

I feel  confident  that  I would  succeed. 

Allen:  How  do  you  propose  to  get  him  out  of  your 

way? 

Radley:  By  having  him  hanged  or  beheaded,  of  course. 

All  you  have  to  do  is  to  send  an  order  as  coming 
from  the  Council  to  the  Governor  of  the  Jail,  and 
he  will  be  sent  to  the  block  or  to  the  gallows. 

Allen  : The  thought  of  taking  a human  life  in  such  a 

cold-blooded  way  makes  me  shudder. 

Radley:  But  he's  only  an  Irishman. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


41 


Allen  : Even  so.  It  would  be — murder. 

Radley:  You  are  too  scrupulous  for  these  hardy  times. 

Allen  : I have  a conscience. 

Radley  : An  inconvenient  thing  for  an  ambitious 

statesman  to  have.  Since  you  are  so  chicken- 
hearted,  Til  shoulder  all  the  blame  and  the  guilt. 

Allen  : But  I would  be  morally  responsible  neverthe- 

less. Hire  an  informer  to  swear  his  life  away,  and 
then  you  alone  will  be  responsible. 

Radley:  As  I have  said,  he  is  a personal  friend  of 

Lord  Thomas,  who  will  order  his  release  if  he  hears 
that  he  is  locked  up.  I want  to  have  him  put  out 
of  the  way  as  soon  as  possible.  We  can  easily 
get  up  an  excuse  to  satisfy  Lord  Thomas — if  he 
is  still  at  liberty  then  himself.  You  know  what  I 
mean. 

Allen:  Yes,  yes.  If  things  go  our  way  in  London 

it  will  not  be  long  before  he,  too,  finds  himself  in  a 
dungeon  in  the  Tower.  But  can  you  not  hit  upon 
another  way  of  carrying  out  your  plan  in  regard  to 
this  Hibernian  Hebe? 

Radley:  There  is  absolutely  no  other  way  than  to  get 

rid  of  her  husband  without  delay.  I am  really 
astonished  at  your  hesitation.  In  view  of  our 
intimate  relations  of  late,  I had  fully  counted  upon 
your  friendly  aid. 

Allen  : It  is  my  friendship  for  you,  as  well  as  my 

respect  for  human  life,  that  makes  me  so  reluctant 
to  accede  to  your  request.  Let  me  earnestly  advise 
you  to  desist  from  this  evil  purpose  of  yours — to 
curb  your  reckless  passion — before  it  is  too  late. 
Reflect  upon  the  folly,  the  peril — 

Radley  : It  is  no  use  to  talk  to  me  like  that.  The  cup 


42 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


that  holds  the  blissful  draught  lies  within  my  reach, 
and  I am  determined  to  drink  it,  no  matter  what 
may  be  the  consequences  to  myself. 

Allen  : I am  sorry  to  hear  you  say  that.  Since,  how- 

ever, you  are  fully  resolved  upon  taking  this  course, 
I shall  give  you  the  order  you  require — on  one  con- 
dition; and  that  is,  that  you  give  this  unfortunate 
man  a chance  to  save  his  life;  that  you  try  hard 
to  devise  a less  desperate  plan  to  gain  your  end. 

Radley  : I shall  gladly  comply  with  that  condition.  An 

idea  has  just  occurred  to  me — a scheme  which,  I 
think,  will  succeed.  But  I want  to  be  armed  with 
that  order  to  the  Governor  of  Newgate  in  case  it 
should  fail. 

Allen:  You  shall  have  it;  but  I sincerely  hope  you 

will  not  use  it. 

(Allen  starts  to  go  off , bat  turns  around ) 
Have  you  seen  Skeffington  or  Butler  of  late? 

Radley:  Yes;  both  of  them. 

Allen  : Have  they  received  any  news  from  London  ? 

Radley:  They  have  been  furnished  with  some  infor- 

mation that  I have  received,  but  from  another 
source. 

Allen  : Then  the  Earl  of  Kildare  is  really  imprisoned 

in  the  Tower? 

Radley:  Yes;  and  his  death  sentence,  I have  further 

heard,  is  expected  to  be  pronounced  in  a day  or  two. 

Allen  : Good ! Then  Skeffington  will  soon  be  restored 

to  the  position  of  Lord  Deputy. 

Radley:  He  will;  and  he  is  very  anxious  to  hold  that 
office  again.  Butler  is  highly  pleased  at  the  pros- 
pect; for,  although  he  is  a nephew  of  Lord  Kildare, 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


43 


he  remembers  that  Kildare  was  his  father’s  bit- 
terest foe. 

Allen  : It  will  do  my  heart  good  when  this  proud  and 

haughty  Earl  of  Kildare  has  been  laid  low.  But 
I tell  you  frankly  I don’t  feel  very  sanguine  as  to 
the  success  of  our  plot  against  him. 

Radley:  You  have  been  pessimistic  all  along. 

Allen  : How  can  I help  it  when  I know  that  for  years 

the  Earl  of  Kildare  has  enjoyed  the  friendship  of 
the  King  and  the  good  opinion  of  his  majesty’s  coun- 
cillors, in  spite  of  his  traitorous  truckling  to  the 
native  chieftains,  to  two  of  whom — O’Connor  and 
O’Carroll — his  two  daughters  are  married  with  his 
full  consent — nay,  with  his  open  encouragement. 

Radley  : But  the  King  has  been  made  aware  of  all  the 

facts.  Besides,  his  majesty,  I have  been  told  on 
good  authority,  not  satisfied  with  being  “Lord”  of 
this  country,  wishes  to  acquire  a loftier  title;  and 
when  next  parliament  meets  in  Dublin  City  it  will 
proclaim  him  King  of  Ireland.  Such  a change,  you 
know  as  well  as  I do,  Kildare  would  have  vigor- 
ously opposed;  and  the  King  has  been  informed, 
they  say,  that  the  reason  he  would  oppose  it  is  this, 
that  he  has  long  desired  to  make  himself  King  of 
Ireland — which  is  not  true. 

Allen  : That  must  have  touched  the  King  in  a raw 

spot. 

Radley:  How  could  it  do  otherwise? 

Allen:  I feel  more  confident  now  than  before.  Had 

you  not  better  come  along  with  me? 

Radley:  No.  It  is  better  that  we  should  not  appear 

to  be  on  very  friendly  terms  with  each  other.  When 


44 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


men  enter  into  a great  conspiracy  they  should  be 
careful  to  shun  alert  Suspicion’s  furtive  glance. 

Allen:  ( going  off)  You  are  right  You  are  an  ideal 

conspirator. 

Radley  : “Old  Reprobate”  that  rebel  chief  called 

me ! Old  ? Do  I indeed  look  old  ? Ha ! Let  me  see. 
[He  produces  a pocket  mirror,  and  scans  his 
reflected  features  eagerly,  turning  his  face  from 
right  to  left,  and  vice  versa . Then  he  holds  the 
mirror  at  arm’s  length  and  soliloquizes]  : 

That  Irish  rascal  spoke  the  truth — the  simple, 
bitter  truth.  How  is  it  that  I have  not  noticed  it 
before?  Is  it  because  nobody  has  had  the — bad 
taste — the  audacity — the  impudence — to  tell  me  that 
I look  as  if  were — growing  old.  (He  looks  into 
the  mirror  again , smiles  at  himself  first , and  then 
frozvns).  I see  it  now.  Whenever  I have  looked 
at  myself  in  a mirror  I have  smiled,  by  force  of 
habit;  and  thus  those  accursed  wrinkles  and  other 
facial  deformities  caused  by  relentless  Time  have 
escaped  my  notice.  (Looks  at  himself  again)  Why, 
the  very  wrinkles  which  are  caused  by  our  smiles 
serve  to  emphasize  our  frowns ! When  did  age  be- 
gin to  tell  upon  me — upon  my  face,  I mean,  for  I 
am  as  young  in  heart  and  feeling  now  as  I was 
twenty-five  years  ago?  (He  returns  the  mirror 
abruptly  to  his  pocket  with  a frown)  It’s  too  late 
now  to  inquire  into  that.  The  sad  fact  remains : I 
am  getting  old.  And  youthful  beauty,  of  which  I 
am  so  ardent  an  admirer,  seldom  accords  its  favors 
to  the  middle-aged,  and  never  to  the  old,  without 
being  influenced  by  the  possession  of  wealth  by  the 
recipient.  (He  starts  as  he  gazes  at  some  distant 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


45 


object ).  That  looks  like  a messenger  with  Lord 
Thomas's  order  for  the  lease  of  O'Byrne.  If  he 
is,  gold  may  buy  the  message  he  is  carrying,  as  it 
has  often  bought  such  things  before. 

[Exit] 

[ Enter  Musicians.] 

Barney  ( the  Fiddler)  : What  a grand  place  this  estate 

of  Mavnooth  is ! 

JERRY  ( the  Bagpiper ) : And  it's  a grand  man  that 

owns  it,  too. 

Mike  ( the  Harpist ) : Faith,  it's  true  for  you.  And 

the  Earl  of  Kildare,  when  he  is  called  to  his  reward 
in  the  next  world,  will  have  a worthy  successor  in 
Lord  Thomas,  by  all  accounts.  Just  think  of  a boy 
like  that  being  Lord  Deputy — holding  the  most 
powerful  position  in  the  land. 

JERRY:  He's  well  able  to  fill  the  position,  they  say.  So 

it  appears  that  the  Earl  of  Kildare  knew  what  he 
was  doing  when  he  put  Lord  Thomas  in  his  place 
before  he  went  to  London. 

Barney:  Didn't  Lord  Thomas  enjoy  our  playing  at  the 

O’Byrne  wedding? 

JERRY : He  did  indeed.  That's  why  he  sent  for  us  to- 

day, no  doubt.  And  we  may  be  sure  that  he'll  treat 
us  well. 

Mike:  I hear  that  Shawn  O'Dwyer  is  going  to  marry 

Bessy  O’Toole.  He's  a lucky  gorsoon.  Bessy's  father 
will  give  him  that  fine  farm  near  the  woods  with 
her. 

JERRY:  That  fine  farm  near  the  woods!  That's  not  a 
fine  farm  at  all.  It's  a wilderness  on  a little 


46 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


scale.  Why,  you  couldn’t  raise  enough  on  it  to 
feed  a goat.  If  a rabbit  wanted  to  spend  half  a 
day  there  he’d  have  to  take  his  lunch  with  him. 

Barney  : It’s  a very  poor  bit  of  ground,  but  with  per- 

severance and  time, — 

Jerry:  With  perseverance  and  time  an  Irish  snail 

would  reach  Jerusalem.  Did  you  hear  what  hap- 
pened to  Old  Flint-Heart,  the  Sassenah  landlord, 
after  he  died? 

Barney:  No. 

Jerry:  He  had  the  brazen  impudence  to  knock  at  the 

gate  of  Heaven.  St.  Peter  recognized  him,  but 
would  not  condescend  to  talk  to  him ; so  he  sent  one 
of  his  clerks  to  the  gate  to  ask  Old  Flint-Heart  what 
he  wanted  there.  He  answered  that  he  wanted  to 
get  into  Heaven.  St.  Peter  said : “Ask  him  if  he 
ever  did  a good  deed  in  his  life.”  The  clerk  obeyed. 
Old  Flint-Heart  could  remember  only  one  good 
deed  that  he  had  done.  He  bought  a basket  of 
apples  from  a poor  farmer’s  son;  and  as  the  boy 
had  no  money  in  his  pocket  he  couldn’t  give  him 
his  change,  which  was  only  a very  small  sum. 
“Keep  it,”  said  Old  Flint-Heart.  “And  that’s  the 
only  good  deed  he  has  to  his  credit  during  his  long 
life  on  earth?”  said  St.  Peter,  with  indignation. 
“Ask  him  how  much  the  change  was;  give  it  back 
to  him ; and  let  him  go  to — Purgatory.” 

Barney:  That  reminds  me  of  what  I heard  about  old 

Shawn  Duffy  and  Father  McGrah.  Shawn  got  very 
sick;  his  condition  became  so  bad  that  they  sent  for 
the  priest  to  give  him  the  last  Sacraments.  He  was 
never  any  good,  the  same  Shawn.  When  he  was 
hard  up  he  would  steal  the  pennies  off  a dead  man’s 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


47 


eyes  or  the  cross  from  an  ass's  back,  if  he  could. 
Well,  after  he  received  the  Sacraments  he  said  to 
Father  McGrah:  "Father,  I wish  you  had  the  key 
of  Heaven  with  you."  "Why?"  asked  the  priest. 
"So  that  you  could  let  me  in,"  said  Shawn. 
"Faith,"  said  Father  McGrah,  "it  might  be  better 
for  you  if  I had  the  key  of  the  other  place."  "How 
is  that,  Father?"  asked  Shawn.  The  priest  said  to 
him  quietly : “So  that  I could  let  you  out." 

[ They  play ] 

JERRY : Sing  us  a song,  Barney,  for  a change. 

Mike  : Yes,  do,  Barney. 

[Barney  sings\  : 

For  pretty  girls,  as  true  as  they  are  charming, 

The  Emerald  Isle  has  always  been  renowned. 

None  fairer,  purer,  or  more  tender-hearted, 

In  all  the  world  can  e'er  be  found. 

But  there  is  one  who  to  my  heart  is  dearest, 

Who  more  than  all  the  rest  of  them  I prize: 

She  whom  it  is  my  fondest  hope  to  marry, 

Linking  my  life  to  hers  for  evermore, 

Making  our  home  an  earthly  paradise, 

The  colleen  with  the  laughing  eyes. 

Her  glossy  hair  is  darker  than  the  raven, 

Her  neck  and  arms  are  whiter  than  the  swan; 

Her  sweet,  moist  lips  are  crimson  like  ripe  cherries ; 

She  walks  as  graceful  as  a fawn. 

Blit — best  of  all — her  goodness  far  surpasses 
Her  beauty,  as  the  sun,  in  mid-day  skies, 

Outclasses,  in  its  everlasting  radiance, 

The  stars  that  every  night  above  us  rise, 

Oh,  I am  longing  to  my  breast  to  clasp  her, 

My  colleen  with  the  laughing  eyes. 


48 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Scene  II. — In  Newgate  Jail.  Door  in  center.  When 
this  door  is  opened,  the  iron  bars  of  a dungeon  are 
disclosed,  O’Byrne  behind  them.  Governor  Taunton 
of  the  Jail  is  slowing  pacing  to  and  fro,  his  head 
bowed  in  meditation. 

[Enter  Lord  Radley] 

Radley  : Has  any  letter  or  message  been  delivered 

here  for  O’Byrne,  the  rebel  Chief? 

Taunton:  No,  Lord  Radley.  But  I have  received 

from  the  council  an  order  to  have  him  beheaded. 

Radley:  I have  just  had  a conference  with  the  Lord 

Deputy  about  the  unfortunate  man;  and  I want  to 
talk  to  him  in  private.  Will  you  please  unlock  this 
door,  and  retire  for  a few  minutes? 

Taunton:  Certainly,  Lord  Radley. 

[Taunton  unlocks  the  door  in  the  center,  dis- 
closing the  iron-barred  door  of  a dungeon.  O’Byrne 
is  seen  behind  the  iron-barred  door.] 

> [Exit  Taunton,  saying,  aside:] 

There’s  something  about  Lord  Radley  that  I 
don’t  like.  He  seems  to  be  gloating  over  this  pris- 
oner’s awful  doom.  What  is  his  reason,  I wonder? 

Radley:  (to  O’Byrne)  You  know  that  you  have  been 

condemned  to  die,  and  have  only  a few  hours  to 
live? 

O’Byrne:  The  Governor  of  the  Jail  has  so  informed 
me.  When  I asked  him  what  is  the  crime  that  I 
am  charged  with,  he  said  “high  treason.”  That  is 
a ridiculous  charge.  When  Lord  Thomas  hears 
about  it 

i 

Radley:  He  knows  all  about  it  now. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


49 


O’Byrne:  Why,  his  father  and  I are  friends. 

Radley:  Were  friends,  you  should  say.  Lord  Thomas 

is  even  more  scrupulously  loyal  to  King  Henry  than 
his  father  is,  and  he  loathes  the  very  name  of 
treason.  (Taunton  peeps  in  at  one  side  of  the 
stage  and  listens ).  As  I have  said,  you  have  but  a 
few  hours  more  of  life.  You  surely  realize  that 
there  is  absolutely  no  hope  for  you.  The  decree  has 
been  issued  by  the  Council  of  State,  and  ratified  by 
Lord  Thomas.  The  headsman  is  already  preparing 
to  exercise  the  sentence.  (O’Byrne  groans).  But 
it  happens  to  be  in  my  power,  as  your  accuser 

O’Byrne:  My  false  accuser! 

Radley:  To  save  your  life — ay,  and  to  set  you  free. 

All  you  have  to  do  is  to  listen  to  the  proposition  I 
am  going  to  make.  It  is  this.  If,  when  I bring 
your  bride,  Moira,  here,  you  will  tell  her  that  you 
give  up  all  claim  to  her  and  bid  her  place  herself 
under  my  protection. — 

O’Byrne:  Stop,  you  ruffianly  Sassenah!  You  must 

be  a devil  in  human  shape ; otherwise  you  could  not 
come  to  me  at  such  an  hour  with  such  a request. 
Oh  for  a moment  of  freedom!  If  I had  I would 
pluck  that  vile,  black  heart  from  your  breast  and 
throw  it  to  the  dogs ! Good  Heaven ! Could  there 
be  a bitterer  death  than  this? 

Radley:  Death!  But  you  can  easily  avoid  it.  If  you 

do  not  take  this  opportunity  to  save  your  life  and 
regain  your  freedom,  you  are  a fool  and  a suicide 
as  well. 

O’Byrne:  You  cursed,  hell-bent  scoundrel,  go  away! 

( Turning  his  back  to  Radley)  I’ll  listen  to  you  no 
longer. 


50 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Radley:  Fret,  and  fume,  and  rage  as  you  will,  Moira 

will  be  mine.  She  is  in  my  house  now — not  as  a 
captive,  mark  you,  but  as  a willing  guest. 

O’Byrne:  ( quickly  turning  his  face  to  Radley)  It  is 

as  false  as  hell! 

Radley:  This  bravado  will  leave  you  after  I go,  and 

you  will  be  very  sorry  that  you  did  not  accept  my 
offer.  But  it  will  be  too  late.  Die,  you  Keltic  rebel, 
die ! 

O’Byrne:  ( shaking  his  fist  at  Radley)  Death!  Yes, 

a thousand  deaths  before  Moira's  honor  or  my 
manhood  should  be  stained  by  such  a diabolical 
bargain. 

[Enter  from  the  side  of  the  stage  opposite  to 
that  from  which  Taunton  is  peeping  and  listening , 
Gerard,  a jailer  in  the  secret  pay  of  Radley,  who 
motions  to  him  not  to  speak.] 

Taunton:  {aside)  What!  Gerard  here?  He  should 

be  at  his  post  elsewhere.  Is  he,  too,  in  this  hellish 
plot? 

Radley:  {to  Gerard)  Close  this  door. 

[Gerard  closes  it] 

Radley:  {speaking  to  Gerard)  That  pretty  wench 

should  soon  be  here,  with  the  letter  that  she  has 
obtained  from  the  Lord  Deputy  ordering  Taunton 
to  liberate  O’Byrne.  What  his  youthful  excellency 
will  think  or  say  when  he  finds  out  that  his  previous 
order  to  Taunton  was  not  delivered,  I do  not 
know.  He  will  doubtless  be  very  angry.  Now, 
don’t  forget  what  I told  you.  Open  this  door  now 
and  call  O’Byrne  to  the  bars.  Tell  him  that  you 
are  a special  messenger  from  the  Lord  Deputy, 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


51 


who  offers  him  his  freedom  on  the  condition  to 
which  his  wife  has  agreed  in  order  to  secure  his 
immediate  liberation.  The  condition  is  that,  since 
the  Lord  Deputy  has  resolved  to  give  the  whole 
country  a just  government,  O’Byrne  must  pledge 
his  word  of  honor  that  he  will  not  join  in  any  upris- 
ing against  it,  so  long  as  it  continues  to  be  fair  to 
all  the  people.  Assure  him  that  his  wife  is  anxious 
that  he  should  accept  the  proposal;  then  close  the 
door.  He  is  sure  to  accept  it.  When  his  wife 
comes — you  must  hurry  up,  for  she  may  be  here  at 
any  moment — she  will  have  a letter  which  she  has 
received  from  Lord  Thomas,  whom  she  has  visited 
in  reference  to  her  husband’s  imprisonment.  It  will 
be  addressed  to  Taunton. 

Gerard:  I hope  she  won’t  come  before  I talk  to  him. 

I’ll  have  to  be  quick  about  this  business ; for  I must 
hasten  back  to  my  post.  If  the  Governor  finds  that 
I am  absent  from  my  post  he  will  want  to  know  the 
reason.  He  may  dismiss  me  on  the  spot;  for  he 
has  a quick  temper. 

Radley  : Don’t  worry  over  that.  I shall  take  care  of 

you.  Well,  take  the  letter  from  her,  and  assure  her 
that  you  will  at  once  give  it  to  the  Governor.  You, 
of  course,  are  to  appear  not  to  know  who  she  is. 
Then  tell  her,  as  a simple  matter  of  Jail  gossip,  that 
an  Irish  Chieftain,  named  The  O’Byrne  is  to  be 
released  tomorrow,  having  agreed,  as  the  condition 
of  regaining  his  freedom,  to  hand  over  his  wife  to 
an  English  nobleman  who  is  in  love  with  her. 

Gerard:  Yes,  yes.  I have  got  off  by  heart  the  words 

you  wrote  for  me  to  say.  She  will  refuse  to  believe 
what  I tell  her.  Then  I’ll  call  O’Byrne  to  the  bars, 


52 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


and  in  her  hearing  ask  him : “Do  you  accept  that 
condition  about  your  getting  released?  Your  wife 
wants  you  to  accept  it.  She  is  here.”  He  will,  of 
course,  say  that  he  accepts  it.  After  that  I am  to 
close  the  door  immediately,  so  as  not  to  give  them 
a chance  to  talk  to  each  other. 

Radley:  Exactly.  You  will  play  your  part  perfectly. 

Now  I shall  go  to  Governor  Taunton  and  keep 
him  in  conversation  until  you  have  had  time  to  carry 
out  the  scheme. 

[Exit  Radley  on  the  side  opposite  to  that 
where  Taunton  is  listening] 

Taunton  : (aside)  He  will  not  be  able  to  find  me. 

HI  stay  here  and  see  this  devilish  plot  carried  out 
so  far  that  it  will  become  necessary  for  me  to  inter- 
fere. Then  HI  place  these  two  villains  in  cells  and 
keep  them  there  until  I communicate  with  the  Lord 
Deputy. 

[Gerard  opens  the  door,  calls  O'Byrne,  and 
zvhispers  to  him  for  a few  minutes.] 

O’Byrne:  (in  an  audible  tone.)  I accept  the  condition. 

[Enter  Moira  with  a letter  in  her  hand] 

Moira:  (breathlessly  to  Gerard)  This  is  a letter  from 

the  Lord  Deputy  to  Governor  Taunton.  Place  it 
in  his  hands,  please,  without  delay. 

Gerard:  (bowing)  There  will  be  no  delay.  And  as 

he  is  likely  to  be  busy  now,  you  may  have  to  wait  a 
little  while  for  his  reply.  There  is  a parlor  here 
in  which  you  can  be  seated. 

[Exeunt  Gerard  and  Moira.  In  a minute  they 
return ♦] 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


53 


Moira  : ( Excitedly  to  Gerard)  Insult  me  not,  I warn 

you!  If  you  dare 

Gerard:  Heaven  forbid  that  I should  insult  a fair  and 

noble  lady  like  you ! Stand  there  a minute. 

[He  leads  her  to  a part  of  the  stage  some  dis- 
tance from  the  outer  door  of  O’Byrne' s cell.\ 
Then  he  opens  the  door  and  calls  the  prisoner  to 
the  bars. 

{To  O’Byrne)  : Do  you  agree  to  the  condition  named? 
Your  wife  is  present.  She  may  like  to  hear  from 
your  own  lips  your  answer.  Speak  out  clearly. 
O’Byrne:  Yes;  I accept  it. 

[Gerard  hastily  closes  the  door.] 

Gerard:  You  have  heard  his  words? 

Moira  {pressing  her  hands  to  her  eyes)  : 

O kindly  Heaven ! have  pity  on  me  now. 

But  have  I really  heard  those  words  aright? 

Alas,  I have.  It  surely  was  his  voice. 

[throwing  up  her  hands.] 

O God!  that  I should  ever  live  to  hear 
That  awful  proposition  from  the  man 
To  whom  I gave  my  hand  and  heart.  O Heaven ! 
Gerard:  He  told  me  to  tell  you  that,  as  he  would  be 

willing  to  give  his  life  to  save  yours,  you  ought  to 
make  the  same  sacrifice  to  save  his.  The  headsman 
is  already  here.  Your  husband’s  life  depends  on 
your  decision. 

Moira:  Then  it  is  true.  Oh,  horror,  it  is  true! 

[she  pauses] 

To  save  my  life  he  freely  would  give  his; 


54 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


And  should  I pause  to  make  the  sacrifice 
He  bids  me  make  to  save  his  life?  Shall  I 
Less  generous,  less  self-sacrificing,  be 
For  his  sake  than  he  surely  would  for  me? 

But  would  it  be  a fair  exchange?  His  life 
Bartered  against — I shudder  at  the  thought 
Of  what  such  bargain  would  entail  to  me. 

[ Enter  Taunton  and  Radley] 

The  degradation  of  my  womanhood, 

The  forfeit  of  my  honor — dearer  far 
To  me  than  life  itself.  It  shall  not  he; 

My  honor  as  a woman  and  a wife 
To  me  is  far  more  precious  than  the  life 
And  liberty  of  him  who  won  my  heart. 

[Taunton  walks  to  where  Gerard  is  standing ; 
places  himself  beside  him , and  eyes  him  angrily.] 

Radley  (to  Taunton)  : This  woman  is  a lunatic.  I 

know  her  well.  Her  late  hallucination,  under  which 
she  is  now  laboring,  is  that  she  is  married,  and  that 
her  husband  is  the  rebel  Chief  O’Byrne. 

Moira  : 

This  is  a fiendish  lie ! Ha ! I recognize  you  now. 

It  is  you  who  tried  to  abduct  me. 

[To  Taunton] 

Tell  me,  sir,  his  name. 
Radley:  Heed  not  her  ravings.  Place  her  in  a room 

whence  she  can  not  escape.  Tonight  I’ll  come  for 
her,  and  safely  reconduct  her  to  her  home. 
Taunton:  Lady,  you  are  the  victim  of  a plot  as  vile 

as  was  ever  concocted  bv  the  basest  scoundrel  that 
ever  walked  the  earth.  Your  husband  is  as  faithful, 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


55 


true,  and  loving  as  he  ever  was.  He  has  rejected 
with  scorn  the  condition  these  two  cunning  scoun- 
drels would  make  you  believe  he  has  accepted.  I 
have  foiled  their  plot. 

Moira:  Thank  Heaven  for  that!  Oh,  let  me  speak  to 

him. 

[Enter  Silken  Thomas,  with  four  body- 
guards and  Monsignor.] 

Moira  ( To  Silken  Thomas)  : 

My  husband  still  is  here. 

Silken  Thomas: 

Ha ! Treachery ! 

[To  Taunton] 

Upon  whose  order  is  he  here  confined? 

Taunton:  Upon  Lord  Radley^s. 

Silken  Thomas  ( drawing  his  sword):  Radley!  Is 
he  here? 

[Radley  averts  his  face  and  walks  stealthily 
towards  the  door . Monsignor  converses  inaudibly 
with  Moira.] 

Silken  Thomas  ( excitedly  to  Taunton)  : 

What  does  this  rpean  ? My  orders  set  at  naught ! 
Twice  have  I written  you,  with  my  own  hand, 
Commands  to  liberate  the  Chief  O’Byrne. 

Taunton  : They  did  not  reach  me,  my  Lord,  I swear 

to  you. 

Moira,  ( pointing  to  Radley,  zvho  is  crouching  near  the 
door , at  which  two  body-guards  of  Silken  Thomas  are' 
standing)  : 

There  stands  the  ruffian  who  insulted  me, 

And  with  his  minions  brought  my  husband  here 


56 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


And  even  now  gave  orders  to  this  man 
[Pointing  to  Taunton] 

To  lock  me  in  a cell  until  tonight, 

When  he  would  come  and  bear  me  to  his  home. 
O'Donnell  (To  Moira)  : 

Are  you  quite  sure  ’tis  he? 

Moira  : 

How  could  I eir 

In  such  a case  as  this? 

Monsignor  (To  Taunton)  : 

Have  you  not  heard 

What  the  Lord  Deputy  has  said  to  you? 

Give  The  O’Byrne  his  liberty  at  once. 

[Taunton  opens  the  outer  door  and  proceeds 
to  open  the  inner,  iron-barred  one;  Monsignor 
converses  with  Moira.] 

O’Donnell  (drawing  his  sword  and  addressing 
Silken  Thomas)  : 

Pray,  pardon  me,  my  lord. 
Soil  not  your  sword  with  his  base,  hag-bred  blood. 
Let  me  dispatch  him.  To  my  sister  he 
Offered  the  worst  of  insults. 

Silken  Thomas  (drawing  back  a little ) : 

Let  him  die 

The  death  he  merits.  Headsman,  ax  and  block 
Shall  be  his  portion — 

[To  jailer , who  has  the  key  to  the  iron-barred  door ] 

Quick;  release  O’Byrne, 
And  let  this  bawdy  miscreant  take  his  place 
Until  the  headsman  comes. 

Taunton  : 


The  headsman’s  here. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


57 


Lord  Radley  had  him  summoned  for  this  man. 

[ Opens  the  cell  door , through  which  O'Byrne 
steps  forth,  and,  seeing  Moira,  embraces  her.] 
Silken  Thomas: 

It  was  his  own  beheading  he  arranged. 

And  let  him  die  at  once.  You  hear?  At  once! 
Monsignor  (To  Silken  Thomas)  : 

Accord  this  wretched  sinner  ample  time 
For  penitence  and  the  Sacraments,  my  lord. 

Silken  Thomas  : 

Such  timely  mercy  he  does  not  deserve; 

But  he  shall  have  it.  Taunton,  see  to  this. 

[Taunton  and  O'Donnell  seize  Radley,  and 
push  him  into  the  cell.  Taunton  locks  the  doors.] 

[Exit  Taunton] 

O'Byrne  (To  Silken  Thomas): 

Accept  my  gratitude. — 

Silken  Thomas: 

Nay,  thank  me  not. 
It  was  my  simple  duty  to  prevent 
The  shedding  of  a guiltless  brother's  blood; 

For  brothers  we  are  now  in  patriotism. 

[Shakes  O'Byrne's  Hand] 

O'Byrne:  Ay!  And  the  brotherhood  of  patriotism  is 
higher  and  holier  than  the  brotherhood  of  blood. 
Silken  Thomas:  You  had  better  go  and  breathe  the 

pure  air  and  otherwise  refresh  yourself.  You  need 
it  after  your  horrible  experience  here. 

[Exeunt  O'Byrne,  O'Donnell  and  Moira, 
bozving  and  smiling  to  Silken  Thomas.] 

[End  oe  Act  II.] 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


58 


ACT  III. 

Scene  I. — Chamber  of  the  Council  of  State,  St.  Mary’s 
Abbey,  Dublin.  A long  table  in  the  center  with 
books  and  manuscripts  upon  it,  and  chairs  arranged 
at  each  side,  with  a larger  one  at  the  head,  for  the 
President.  Silken  Thomas  alone  is  slowly  walk- 
ing up  and  down,  his  head  bowed  and  his  hand 
pressed  to  his  forehead,  apparently  absorbed  in 
serious  thought. 

[ Enter  Monsignor.] 

Monsignor  : 

Thou  lookest  ill,  my  lord,  or  else  thou  art 
Immersed  in  deep  and  solemn  fneditation. 

Silken  Thomas: 

So  many  rumors  of  my  father’s  death 
Have  reached  my  ears  that  I begin  to  fear 
They  may  be  based  on  truth. 

Monsignor  : 

What  do  they  say? 

Silken  Thomas: 

That  my  dear  father  has  been  put  to  death 
By  order  of  the  King. 

Monsignor  : 

Whence  comes  the  news? 

Silken  Thomas: 

From  various  sources. 

Monsignor  : 

All  authentic? 

Silken  Thomas: 

No. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


59 


Monsignor  : 

Such  vague  and  unconfirmed  intelligence 
Deserves  but  scanty  credence.  Evil  news 
Spreads  faster  much  than  good.  Why  dost  thou  not 
Send  o'er  to  London  some  one  thou  can’st  trust 
To  ascertain  the  truth? 

Silken  Thomas: 

That  I have  done — 

One  of'  my  most  intelligent  body-guards, 

Upon  whose  tact  and  prudence  I rely. 

And,  with  impatience  'waiting  his  return, 

My  anxious  soul  with  dark  presentiments 
Is  much  perturbed.  Besides,  my  omens  say 
That  I shall  never  more  my  father  see. 

Monsignor  : 

Omens  and  augurs  should  receive  no  heed 
From  cultured  minds  like  thine.  The  cares  of  state 
Depress  thy  youthful  spirits.  Thou  shouldst  take 
Some  wholesome  recreation  that  befits 
Thy  years  and  station  and  thy  present  needs. 

Be  not  discomforted  by  gloomy  news, 

Or  darkened  outlook.  Standing  as  thou  dost 
Upon  the  threshold  of  a manhood  bright, 

Confront  the  future  with  unflinching  gaze, 

And  optimistic  heart;  and  bear  in  mind: 

We  all  must  take  the  bitter  with  the  sweet, 

The  showers  with  the  sunshine,  in  this  world. 
There  are  no  shadows  where  there  is  no  light — 
Nay,  is  not  Life's  fair  landscape  made  complete 
By  these  same  shadows?  Never  give  up  hope, 
Though  even  Heaven  itself  should  seem  to  frown. 
Silken  Thomas: 

The  toils  of  state  are  irksome,  it  is  true; 


6o 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


And  fain  would  I exchange  them,  if  I could, 

For  more  congenial  tasks;  but  duty  calls, 

And  I must  execute  her  stern  behests, 

Whatever  be  the  cost. 

[Draws  and  brandishes  his  sword] 

Oh,  how  I yearn 

To  lead  a charge  upon  the  battlefield ! 

To  rush  with  fury  on  a hated  foe! 

Monsignor  : 

But  they  who  love  the  sword  shall  meet  their  death 
By  its  keen  thrust. 

Silken  Thomas  : 

What  matters  it,  my  friend. 
If  battling  for  a righteous  cause  they  die? 

[Draws  nearer  to  Monsignor] 

Should  foreign  hordes  our  native  land  invade, 

And  threatened  Liberty  for  help  appeal, 

Wouldst  thou  advise  us  meekly  to  submit, 

Like  sapless  cowards,  to  a tyrant’s  yoke, 

And  preach  the  sacredness  of  might  enthroned, 
And  the  enormous  crime  of  armed  revolt? 
Monsignor  ( Solemnly ) : 

Life  here  below  is  not  the  highest  good, 

To  battle  for  the  right  is  meritorious; 

Among  the  virtues  patriotism  stands  high. 

Silken  Thomas  : 

For  this  concession,  guarded  though  it  be, 

To  that  pure  patriotism  which  hazards  all 
For  Freedom’s  holy  cause,  I thank  thee,  friend. 

[Sheathes  his  sword ] 

[Enter  one  of  Silken  Thomas’  body-guards, 
wearing  a troubled  look.] 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


$1 

Silken  Thomas  ( eagerly  and  quickly)  : Back  from 

London  ? Good ! What  news  do  you  bring  me 
about  my  father? 

Bodyguard:  Be  calm,  my  lord.  I have  been  seeking 

you  for  hours,  and  just  heard  that  you  were  here. 

Silken  Thomas  ( excitedly ) : Speak  out.  I am  no 

woman.  I can  hear  the  worst  without  a falter. 

Bodyguard:  When  your  father  landed  in  London  he 

was  at  once  taken  to  the  Tower  by  a military  escort 
(He  Pauses). 

Silken  Thomas:  I can  read  in  your  troubled  counte- 

nance the  ghastly  message  you  forbear  to  deliver 
to  me  suddenly.  I appreciate  your  kindly  considera- 
tion of  my  feelings.  My  father  lives  no  more ! 

Bodyguard:  You  have  surmised  the  awful  truth. 

Silken  Thomas  : He  has  been  murdered  by  the  King's 

command ! 

Monsignor  (to  Bodyguard):  Is  that  true? 

Bodyguard:  Alas,  it  is  only  too  true. 

Monsignor  (gazing  upzmrd) : 

Eternal  rest,  and  light,  and  peace  be  his ! 

[To  Silken  Thomas] 

Accept  my  sympathy ; and  bear  this  blow 
With  Christian  fortitude,  as  doth  become 
A Christian  soldier,  as  thou  art. 

Bodyguard:  A titled  English  spy,  who  has  lately  been 

conspiring  with  the  foes  that  your  father  had  among 
his  councillors,  has  been  sending  the  King  false 
reports  about  him.  Here  is  one  of  his  concoctions 
which,  having  been  mislaid,  came  into  my  posses- 
sion by  mere  chance. 

[Hands  a parchment  to  Silken  Thomas.] 


6 2 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Silken  Thomas  ( reading ) : 

“Our  plot  has  been  strengthened  in  an  important 
particular.  I have  forwarded  to  his  Majesty  docu- 
. ments  purporting  to  prove  that  Kildare  has  been 
for  years  engaged  in  the  treasonable  attempt  to 
substitute  his  own  for  the  King’s  authority  in  this 
dominion,  and  to  induce  the  members  of  Parliament 
to  agree  to  proclaim  him  King  of  Ireland  at  their 
next  session.  This  ought  to  rouse  his  Majesty 
. from  his  too  prolonged  attitude  of  benevolent  hesi- 
tation, and  to  lead  him  to  decree  the  immediate 
death  of  Kildare.  Take  special  pains  to  ascertain 
what  his  Majesty’s  decision  is;  and,  having  care- 
fully informed  yourself  upon  this  point,  lose  no  time 
, in  letting  me  know  what  it  is.”  “Radley” 

Radley ! The  miscreant  I’ve  condemned  to  die ! 
That  lecherous  minion  of  a murderous  King, 

Is,  then,  the  real  slayer  of  my  father, 

His  cowardly  weapon  the  informer’s  lie; 

If  I could  make  him  die  a hundred  deaths, 

Justice  would  not  be  fully  satisfied. 

[He  pauses  and  paces  up  and  down.  Then , 
zvith  a sudden  start:] 

Why  this  affliction  do  I calmly  bear? 

What  stills  the  ’vengeful  voice  of  injured  blood, 
That  should  be  clamoring  now?  What  frigid  spell 
Benumbs  the  impulse  that  should  fire  my  breast? 

[Raises  both  hands  and  looks  up  to  Heaven] 
Oh  for  thy  direst  thunders,  Heaven ! to  smite 
The  monarch  guilty  of  this  bloody  deed, 

And  devastate  the  kingdom  where  he  rules ! 

[He  pauses] 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


63 


Monsignor  : 

The  noblest  way  to  wreak  condign  revenge 
Is  to  forgive. 

Silken  Thomas  {drily)  : 

A vengeance  so  sublime 
Might  well  beseem  a saint,  but  not  a soldier. 

[A  slight  pause ] 

My  father  slain  by  order  of  the  King ! — 

[Enter  De  La  Hide] 

De  La  Hide  : j 

And  thou,  thine  uncles,  and  that  angel-boy, 

Thine  only  brother,  to  that  cruel  fate 
Have  likewise  been  condemned,  I have  just  learned. 
[Monsignor  and  the  Bodyguard  speak  in 
whispers  to  each  other,] 

Recall  to  memory  what  thy  father  said 
Ere  on  his  fatal  voyage  he  embarked; 

And  by  the  counsel  of  his  trusted  friends 
In  thy  next  move  be  guided.  Give  us  time 
For  due  reflection  on  this  crisis  grave 
That  now  confronts  our  country.  Rest  assured, 

In  all  emergencies  which  may  arise, 

That  on  my  friendly  aid  thou  canst  rely 
With  fullest  confidence. 

Silken  Thomas: 

I needed  not 

This  opportune  assurance.  Thou,  Sir  James, 

Hast  always  been  my  father’s  dearest  friend 
And  truest  counsellor. 

De  La  Hide: 

Now  to  his  son, 

The  pride  and  treasure  of  his  noble  heart, 

, That  friendship  I transfer. 


64 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Silken  Thomas: 

And  now,  my  friends. 
With  my  great  grief  I would  be  left  alone. 
Monsignor  ( going  off  zvith  Bodyguard  and 
De  La  Hide)  : 

Our  heartfelt  sympathy  and  condolence ! 

’Tis  natural  thou  wouldst  be  now  alone. 

And  thy  desire,  my  lord,  we  shall  respect. 

God  grant  thee  fortitude  in  this  dark  hour ! 
[Exeunt] 

Silken  Thomas  ( after  a pause , zvith  animation  and 
drazving  his  szvord)  : 

The  murder  of  a father  to  avenge, 

The  lives  of  menaced  kindred  to  protect, 

A motherland  from  tyranny  to  free ! 

A threefold  mission  this  that  should  command 
, The  fervid  service  of  a knightly  heart ; 

A triple  cause  that  should  transform  a coward 

Into  a hero,  and  give  feeble  age 

The  dash  and  strength  of  full-developed  youth. 

[Bows  his  head  in  evident  anguish . Then,  as  if 
he  has  resolved  upon  a course  of  action,  he  raises 
his  head  suddenly,  and  walks  szviftly  out.] 

, [Enter  Lord  Chancellor  Cromer,  with  his 

wig  and  his  ermine  on.] 

Lord  Chancellor  : H’m ! I am  again  the  first  to  ar- 

rive, notwithstanding  all  that  I have  been  saying  to 
my  brother  councillors  about  the  advisableness  as 
well  as  the  docorum  of  punctuality. 

[Enter  a Councillor.] 

Councillor  ( thinking  himself  alone ) : Who  talks  of 

punctuality  now,  I would  like  to  know? 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


65 


Cromer:  I have  just  been  saying  something  to  myself 

about  it. 

Councillor:  Oh,  I beg  your  pardon!  I had  not  seen 

you  when  I came  in,  but  thought  that  I was  the 
first  arrival.  I hope  we  won’t  be  kept  here  long 
today,  as  I want  to  go  hunting.  This  is  fine  weather 
for  it,  and  game,  I am  told,  is  plentiful. 

Cromer:  The  length  of  our  proceedings  will,  of  course, 

depend  upon  their  importance. 

Councillor:  I wish  they  always  did. 

Cromer  : They  always  do. 

Councillor:  They  never  do.  They  are  invariably  too 

long. 

Cromer:  Pardon  me.  You  are  mistaken. 

Councillor:  I am  not.  There  is  too  much  rhetoric 

indulged  in  and  too  little  practical  business  trans- 
acted at  our  meetings,  as  a rule;  and  I,  for  one, 
am  determined  to  stand  it  no  longer.  I intend  to 
bring  the  matter  up  when  there  is  a full  meeting. 

Cromer:  You  are  casting  a reflection  upon  me 

[ Enter  another  Councillor] 

First  Councillor:  I certainly  am,  and  you  deserve 

it  for  your  long-windedness. 

Second  Councillor  : Come  now,  my  friends ; let’s 
have  no  squabbling.  Always  try  to  compromise, 
and  you’ll  make  things  easier  for  yourself  and 
others. 

Cromer:  He  says  we  take  up  too  much  time  by  our 

deliberations  at  this  council  board ; that  I am  largely 
to  blame  for  it.  I feel  sure 

First  Councillor:  He  knows  that  I am  right. 

Second  Councillor:  You  both  take  opposite  views  of 
the  subject,  I see.  It  is  therefore  a case  for  com- 


66 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


promise.  Let  us  postpone  the  discussion  of  it  until 
some  other  time,  so  that  we  may  be  able  to  approach 
the  consideration  of  it  in  a calmer  and  a more 
conciliatory  spirit. 

[Enter  Sir  James  De  La  Hide  and  several 
other  Councillors,  followed  by  Allen,  Secretary 
of  the  Council , with  a bundle  of  manuscripts  under 
his  arm . All  sit  at  the  table , Allen's  seat  being 
next  to  that  of  Cromer,  the  Lord  Chancellor .] 

Cromer  ( reading  a small  manuscript  after  talking  pri- 
vately with  Allen)  : Since  we  met  together  here 

before,  several  important  things  have  happened. 
The  cause  of  law  and  order  has  made  great 
progress;  the  mutterings  of  discontent  and  disloyalty 
are  seldom  heard ; and  a wave  of  loyalty  to  our 
illustrious  King  is  sweeping  over  the  land. 

De  La  Hide:  That  is  not  true. 

Cromer:  Do  not  interrupt  me  while  I am  making  a 

speech. 

De  La  Hide:  You  are  not  making  a speech;  you  are 

reading  a prepared  address.  If  you  had  made  those 
assertions  while  you  were  being  carried  away  by  an 
oratorical  torrent,  I might  feel  inclined  to  overlook 
your  prevarications.  But  since  you  have  written 
them  with  cold  deliberation  in  your  private  cham- 
bers, I must  in  the  name  of  truth  protest  against 
them. 

Cromer  ( reading ) : In  addition  to  these  gratifying 

circumstances,  I am  glad  to  be  in  a position  to  say 
that 

De  La  Hide:  I insist  upon  your  withdrawing  the  false- 
hoods that  you  have  uttered 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


6 7 


Cromer  : Falsehoods ! Dare  you  to  accuse  me  of  hav- 

ing uttered  falsehoods? 

De  La  Hide  : I do.  And  you  know  they  are  falsehoods. 

[Several  Councillors  speak  lowly  to  each 
other  zvith  gestures  of  excitement.] 

Second  Councillor:  This  is  eminently  a discussion 

where  a compromise  is  in  order.  I respectfully  sug- 
gest that  you,  my  Lord  Chancellor,  re-state  in  a 
modified  form  what  you  have  said,  and  that  you, 
Sir  James  De  La  Hide,  do  likewise. 

A Councillor  ( solemnly ) : Let  us  not  forget  who  we 

are  and  what  we  are : the  members  of  this  exalted 
body — this  Supreme  Council  of  State — appointed 
by  his  most  gracious  majesty  the  King.  We  should 
uphold  the  dignity  of  the  noble  lord  who  is  the 
President  of  this  Council.  Let  him  continue  his 
important  and  interesting  speech,  and  I appeal  to 
all  present  not  to  allow  him  to  be  interrupted  again. 

Another  Councillor:  Why,  you  are  jeopardizing  the 
chance  of  a compromise  being  agreed  to. 

Cromer:  Well,  in  order  to  expedite  matters  and  to 

promote  harmony,  I accept  the  suggestion  of  a 
compromise. 

A Councillor  ( solemnly ) : No;  no.  I object  to  your 

making  that  concession  to  disloyalty. 

De  La  Hide:  Withdraw  that  insinuation  and  apologize 

for  it. 

Several  Councillors:  Withdraw!  Withdraw! 

A Councillor:  I will  not  withdraw  it. 

Cromer:  I must  rule  against  you.  You  will  have  to 

withdraw  it. 

A Councillor  ( pulling  a sheet  of  manuscript  from  his 
pocket  and  reading  it)  : “Baffled  in  my  conscienti- 


68 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


ous  efforts  to  promote  a policy  which,  I feel  assured, 
would,  if  adopted,  have  the  effect  of  tranquilizing 
the  masses  of  the  rebellious  natives  of  this  dis- 
tracted country,  I resign  my  membership  in  this 
council.” 

De  La  Hide  : You  brought  that  written  statement  in 
your  pocket.  It  has  nothing  to  do  with  what  we 
were  discussing.  You  prepared  it  for  use  in  some 
eventuality  which  has  not  yet  occurred. 

A Councillor  ( muddled  and  angry)  : How  do  you 

know?  ( Rising ) 

Cromer:  I hope  we  shall  continue  to  have  the  benefit 

of  your  wisdom  and  counsel. 

De  La  Hide  : His  what  ? 

A Councillor:  My  decision  to  resign  is  unalterable. 

Cromer:  I am  sorry. 

[Exit,  hastily,  Councillor.] 

Cromer:  Let  us  proceed  quietly.  ( Lays  down  his 
manuscript) 

De  La  Hide  : I desire  to  say  that  it  would  be  a mistake 

to  regard  the  seeming  quietude  that  prevails  in  this 
country  for  contentment.  When  a sensitive,  quick- 
witted, and  deservedly  renowned  people  are  smart- 
ing from  grievances,  what  looks  like  serenity  may  be 
the  sullen  brooding  that  preludes  a fierce  revolt. 

One  oe  the  Councillors  : But  our  people  have  no 
cause  for  revolt. 

De  La  Hide:  No  cause!  You  must  be  jesting.  Does 
long  continuance  justify  a cruel  wrong  or  lapse  of 
many  years  condone  a crime? 

Cromer:  Peace  reigns  throughout  the  land. 

De  La  Hide:  Apparent  peace  is  oftentimes  a state  of 
war  that  has  not  yet  been  formally  declared. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


69 


One  oe  ti-ie  Councillors:  War!  Rebellion,  you  mean. 
If  there  are  any  more  attempts  at  rebellion  they  will 
be  promptly  crushed.  I am  in  favor  of  having  large 
numbers  of  soldiers  sent  here  from  England  with- 
out delay.  A big  army  fills  the  people  with  fear, 
and  fear  is  the  best  preservative  of  peace. 

De  La  Hide:  Justice  is  a much  better  preservative  of 

peace  than  fear. 

Cromer  : Before  we  take  up  routine  business  I consider 

it  my  duty  to  inform  you  officially  of  what  you  all 
have  doubtless  already  heard  unofficially — namely, 
the  fact  that  the  Earl  of  Kildare,  the  Lord  Deputy, 
has  been  beheaded  by  order  of  the  King's  council. 

De  La  Hide  : By  order  of  the  King. 

Cromer:  The  young  man,  Lord  Thomas  Fitzgerald, 

who  has  been  temporarily  acting  as  Lord  Deputy 
during  his  father's  absence  in  London,  loses  that 
position,  of  course,  by  the  removal  of  the  Earl. 
Since  you,  Sir  James  De  La  Hide,  are  a confidential 
friend  of  Lord  Thomas  Fitzgerald,  tell  us  how  he 
acted  when  he  received  the  news  of  his  father's 
death. 

De  La  Hide:  He  had  already  learned  the  fatal  news 

when  I saw  him  last. 

Cromer:  When  you  spoke  of  it,  did  he  fume  and  rage 

and  threaten  vengeance  on  the  King? 

De  La  Hide:  No.  His  anguish  found  expression  only 

in  the  silent  eloquence  of  grief.  His  Spirit  drooped 
beneath  the  cruel  blow;  and  as  he  desired  to  be  left 
alone  with  his  keen  sorrow  I came  away. 

Cromer:  Grief  lingers  not  long  with  youth. 

De  La  Hide:  It  will  with  him;  for  he  is  exceedingly 

sensitive.  Have  you  received  any  news  about  Lord 


70 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Thomas  himself  having  incurred  the  displeasure  of 
the  King? 

Cromer:  Unofficially  I have.  I am  told  the  King  is 

angry  with  the  whole  family.  Lord  Thomas  sent 
us  word  that  he  would  meet  us  here  at  this  hour. 

De  La  Hide:  Then  he  will  soon  be  here. 

A Councillor:  I am  surprised  at  the  fate  that  has 

befallen  the  Earl  of  Kildare;  for  he  was  a great 
favorite  with  his  Majesty  for  many  years. 

Cromer:  His  Majesty  must  have  had  weighty  reasons 

for  sanctioning  capital  punishment  in  his  case. 

De  La  Hide  : Capital  punishment ! The  murder  of  that 

great  warrior-statesman  cries  aloud  to  Heaven  for 
retribution. 

Cromer:  It  is  not  for  us  to  sit  in  judgment  upon  our 

gracious  King.  I am  afraid  of  some  violent  or 
seditious  outbreak  on  the  part  of  young  Lord 
Thomas,  who  has  an  impulsive  and  fiery  disposition. 

De  La  Hide:  Who  could  justly  blame  him? 

Cromer  : Would  you  palliate  disloyalty,  that  odious 
crime  ? 

De  La  Hide:  Is  disloyalty  in  a subject  a more  odious 

crime  than  that  of  a King  who  has  murdered  that 
subject’s  father? 

Cromer:  You  must  not  speak  like  that  about  the  King, 

whose  authority  is  sacred  and  supreme. 

De  La  Hide:  Then  you  would  extenuate  the  worst  of 

crimes  because  the  culprit  wears  a crown?  The 
mightiest  monarch  that  rules  in  Christendom  may 
be  less  than  the  lowest  of  his  subjects  in  the  sight 
of  the  angels. 

Cromer:  I am  amazed  to  hear  you  talk  like  that. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


71 


De  La  Hide:  Did  Almighty  God  make  one  moral  law 

for  Kings  and  another  for  their  subjects?  Surely 
the  Golden  Rule  of  Christ  is  for  all  mankind. 

Cromer:  We  shall  proceed  to  take  up  the  usual  busi- 

ness. (To  Allen)  Have  you  any  communications 
for  us? 

[Allen  places  several  letters  before  Cromer.] 

De  La  Hide:  Before  we  leave  this  tragic  subject  I 

suggest  that  we  give  formal  expression  to  our  regret 
at  the  death  of  the  Earl  of  Kildare,  whose  sterling 
virtues  and  patriotic  deeds  have  added  a bright 
page  to  the  history  of  his  country,  and  who  has 
bequeathed  to  his  countrymen  the  fragrant  memory 
of  a noble  life. 

Cromer  : I do  not  think  that  we  should  take  such  a step 

as  that. 

A Councillor  : I am  strongly  opposed  to  it. 

Another  Councillor:  Let  us  compromise.  Let  us 
take  up  this  question  later.  There  is  something  to 
be  said  on  both  sides. 

Cromer:  We  shall  consider  it  later.  (After  a brief 
whispered  conversation  zvith  Allen).  Reports 
which  were  received  a few  minutes  before  we  came 
into  this  room  show  that  the  condition  of  the  coun- 
try is  not  at  all  so  satisfactory  as  I had  been  led 
to  believe  that  it  was.  These  reports  are  from 
trusty  English  spies.  Johnson,  for  instance,  who  is 
making  observations  in  the  North,  and  who  has  been 
liberally  supplied  with  money  by  us  to  bribe  unsus- 
pecting members  of  the  Clans,  gives  us  a rather 
gloomy  account  of  the  outlook  up  there.  He  says : 

(Reading  one  of  the  dispatches ) “I  have  secured  the 
information  that  the  followers  of  O’Neill  and 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


/- 


O'Donnell  have  recently  received  new  and  large 
supplies  of  arms  and  ammunition,  and  have  been 
ordered  to  be  prepared  to  fight  at  short  notice. 
There  is  something  in  the  air  that  I cannot  find  out ; 
for  these  men  know  nothing  of  it  themselves.” 

A Councillor:  That  is  serious  news. 

Another  Councillor:  What  can  be  the  reason  for 

the  action  of  those  two  powerful  northern  chieftains  ? 

Cromer  : We  must  send  some  extra  spies  without  delay 

to  assist  Johnson  in  making  his  investigations. 
Some  grave  event  is  impending.  ( Taking  up  an- 
other dispatch  and  glancing  at  the  signature) . Ah, 
this  report  is  from  Dalby.  He  is  the  cleverest 

De  La  Hide:  Scoundrel  we  have. 

Cromer:  Please  do  not  interrupt  me.  He  says:  “Some- 

thing very  serious  is  afoot.  The  clansmen  meet  in 
groups  in  different  parts  of  this  district,  and  hold 
debates  in  whispers.  They  place  sentries  at  certain 
distances  from  them,  so  that  no  strangers  may 
approach.  I have  some  clues,  however,  on  which 
I am  working,  and  which,  I feel  confident,  I will 
follow  up  with  success.  Please  send  me  more 
money.” 

De  La  Hide  : That  fellow  is  always  asking  for  money. 

A Councillor:  I have  been  told  that  he  is  a gambler. 

Cromer  : He  is  one  of  the  most  reliable  of  our  secret 

agents. 

De  La  Hide:  Hired  reformers,  you  mean. 

Cromer  ( continuing  to  read)  : “There  is  a fine  estate 
here  adjoining  mine.  The  present  possessor  is  dis- 
loyal to  the  King.  It  is  much  more  valuable  than 
the  one  that  has  been  confiscated  to  me.  I want  to 
take  possession  of  it.” — 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


73 


De  La  Hide:  The  covetous  scoundrel — the  thief. 

A Councillor:  But  all  the  estates  in  this  country  be- 

long to  the  King. 

De  La  Hide  : They  do  not.  They  belong  to  their  right- 

ful owners. 

Cromer:  He  covers  that  very  point  correctly  himself. 

He  goes  on  to  say:  “These  native  Irish  have  no 
right  to  own  any  properties  in  the  realms  of  our 
gracious  King.  Kindly  send  me  at  once  the  requisite 
written  authority  to  seize  it.” 

A Councillor:  What  audacity!  What  villainy! 

Cromer  : Hush ! That  language  is  too  strong. 

The  same  Councillor  : Too  strong ! Could  any 

words  of  denunciation  be  too  strong  for  a man  who 
wants  to  steal  the  property  of  another,  and  who 
desires  to  obtain  from  this  council  an  official  letter 
which  would  legalize  his  pillage?  It  is  outrageous. 

De  La  Hide:  He  should.be  sent  to  jail  for  having  in- 

sulted the  members  of  the  Council. 

[Several  Councillors  hold  a brief  whispered 
conversation,  some  nodding  their  heads  in  assent, 
and  others  quickly  turning  their  heads  from  right 
to  left  as  a sign  of  dissent.] 

Cromer:  Some  members  of  this  honorable  Council  evi- 

dently forget  that  this  country  belongs  to  King 
Henry,  and  also  that  this  estate  is  at  present  in  the 
hands  of  one  who  is  disloyal  to  his  Majesty. 

De  La  Hide  : This  country  belongs  to  the  Irish  people. 

Cromer:  No,  no.  Pope  Adrian  IV  gave  it  to  King 

Henry  II,  in  order  that  his  Majesty 

De  La  Hide  : It  was  not  his  to  give. 

A Councillor:  Certainly  not.  How  could  it  be  his? 


74 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Cromer:  Please  do  not  interrupt  me.  The  Pope,  in  a 

solemn  Bull,  gave  Ireland  to  the  English  King  in 
order  that  his  Majesty,  being  the  supreme  master 
of  it,  might  suppress  the  lawlessness  and  the  vice 
which  prevailed  in  it  at  the  time. 

De  La  Hide  {hotly)  : That  is  not  true. 

A Councillor  : Order ! Order ! Do  not  insult  the 

Lord  Chancellor. 

Another  Councillor  {To  De  La  Hide):  Withdraw 
that  offensive  epithet. 

A Councillor:  Truth  is  neither  offensive  nor  insult- 

ing. 

De  La  Hide:  That  papal  Bull  was  spurious.  It  was 
forged  in  England. 

Cromer:  I am  astonished  to  hear  you  say  so.  Your 

allegiance  to  the  Sovereign  Pontiff  is  very  weak. 

De  La  Hide  : It  is  stronger  than  yours,  prelate  though 

you  are. 

Cromer:  What  shall  we  do  about  this  letter  of  Dalbv’s? 
I suggest  that  we  comply  with  his  two  requests — 
to  send  him  more  money  to  enable  him  to  continue 
and  to  enlarge  the  scope  of  his  loyal  work;  and 
to  authorize  him  to  annex  that  estate  which  he 
mentions. 

De  La  Hide:  Most  emphatically  I protest  against  such 

a scandalous  injustice.  I know  that  the  majority  of 
my  colleagues  at  this  council  board — several  of  them 
beneficiaries  of  the  generosity  and  magnanimity  of 
the  great  Earl  of  Kildare — are  ready  to  approve  of 
whatever  you  suggest.  But 

[Enter  Silken  Thomas,  hurriedly , with  sev- 
eral of  his  followers , his  helmet  on , and  holding  the 
gold-scabbarded  sword  of  state  in  his  two  hands,] 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


75 


Silken  Thomas: 

Friends,  Councillors,  and  worthy  gentlemen, 

The  evil  news  from  London  you  have  heard: 

My  father  to  the  headsman  sent,  because 
He  loved  his  country  better  than  his  King. 

No  longer  will  I keep  this  sword  of  state, 

The  emblem  now  of  slavery.  Here  and  now, 

Like  the  allegiance  I have  borne  the  King, 

I cast  it  from  me  with  contempt. 

[He  flings  the  sword  of  state  on  the  Council 
table.  The  Councillors  rise,  with  murmurs  of 
amazement.] 

Several  Councillors  : My  lord ! 

Silken  Thomas  ( drawing  his  sword)  : 

Against  this  foreign  tyrant’s  bloody  rule 
I am  a rebel!  And  I dedicate 

[Waving  aloft  his  sword] 

My  sword,  my  mind,  my  heart,  my  very  life, 

To  one  supreme  and  all-engrossing  purpose: 

To  banish  from  my  country  every  trace 
And  vestige  of  the  Sassenah  invader ! 


[End  oe  Act  III.] 


76 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


ACT  IV. 

Scene  I. — Tent  of  Silken  Thomas  on  a battlefield. 
Camp  table  and  chair.  Occasional  rifle  shots  heard 
outside. 

[Enter  Jerry  the  Bagpiper.] 

Jerry:  I thought  our  brave  young  Commander-in- 

Chief  was  here  in  his  tent.  They  told  me  he  was. 
Maybe  he'll  be  back  soon.  I'll  wait  awhile,  any- 
how. I want  to  see  him  very  particularly;  for  Fve 
a great  favor  to  ask  of  him;  and  he's  such  a fine, 
noble-souled  young  gentleman — a soldier,  every  inch 
of  him,  to  his  finger-tips — that  I'm  almost  sure  he 
won't  have  the  heart  to  refuse.  I'd  far  rather  be 
fighting  the  enemy  than  be  playing  these  bagpipes 
of  mine,  much  as  I like  to  play  them. 

[Enter  Mike  the  Fiddler .] 

Mike:  Why,  it’s  Jerry  with  his  bagpipes,  as  true  as 
I'm  alive.  What  the  mischief  brings  you  here, 
JERRY,  may  I ask? 

Jerry  : The  same  things  that  brought  you  here,  Mike 
— a pair  of  shanks. 

Mike:  Oh,  I mean:  what  object  had  you  in  view  in 

coming  to  the  tent  of  the  Commander-in-Chief? 

Jerry:  Business  of  a private,  personal  and  pressing 

nature. 

Mike:  Faith!  that's  what  I'm  here  for  myself. 

Jerry:  But  isn't  it  presumptious  for  you  to  call  upon 

The  Commander-in-Chief  by  yourself,  without  any- 
body to  introduce  you  to  his  lordship?  Have  you  a 
letter  of  introduction  from  your  superior  officer? 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


77 


/ 


Mike:  No.  Have  you? 

Jerry:  I haven’t. 

Mike:  Then  why  don’t  you  practice  what  you  preach? 

What  do  you  mean  by  asking  me  if  I have  one? 

JERRY : I think  it’s  bad  enough  for  me  to  come  by  my- 

self without  you  doing  the  same.  Besides,  to  tell 
you  the  truth,  Mike:  I was  afraid  that  if  I did  ask 
my  superior  officer  for  a letter  of  introduction  to 
Lord  Thomas,  he’d  want  to  know  what  I wished 
to  see  him  for;  and  I feel  certain  that  if  I told  him 
why,  he  wouldn’t  let  me  come  here  at  all.  So  I’m 
taking  French  leave. 

Mike  : Begorra ! It’s  exactly  the  same  with  me.  I’m 

running  a risk,  I know,  in  doing  it.  But  the  Lord 
Deputy,  I know  now,  is  a .splendid  character  and 
is  free  and  easy,  with  nothing  stuck-up  about  him; 
and  so  I made  up  my  mind  to  see  him  about  it. 

Jerry:  About  what? 

Mike:  I don’t  mind  telling  you,  Jerry;  but  you  must 

promise  me  that  you  won’t  let  anybody  else  know  in 
case  I don’t  get  the  permission  Lm  after. 

JERRY:  You  may  depend  upon  me,  Mike.  I won’t  give 

your  secret  away. 

# [Enter  Barney  the  Harper ♦] 

Mike  ( confidentially ) : It’s  to  fight  with  the  soldiers 

I want,  instead  of  playing  my  bag-pipes  to  them. 

JERRY:  Why,  man  alive!  that’s  just  what  I’m  after,  too. 

I’d  rather  fight  than  play,  any  time.  But  now  that 
there’s  a grand  opportunity  to  set  our  dear  old 
motherland  free  for  ever,  I want  to  be  in  the  thick 
of  the  closing  fight. 

Barney  : That’s  fine ! boys ; fine ! I’m  with  you.  I’m 

anxious  to  fight  for  Ireland’s  freedom  too. 


73 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Mike:  Our  men  have  had  the  Sassenah  on  the  run 

lately.  The  final  victory  is  already  in  sight. 

JERRY:  But  I hear  that  the  enemy  are  determined  to 

win  this  coming  battle.  They’ve  been  getting  a lot 
of  reinforcements  and  provisions. 

[Enter  Silken  Thomas,  Unnoticed.] 

Barney:  That’s  all  the  better.  It’ll  be  a hard  strug- 
gle— just  what  I’m  aching  for.  I want  to  fight  for 
Ireland’s  freedom — ay,  and  to  die  for  it,  too,  if 
that’s  God  will. 

Jerry  and  Mike:  So  do  I. 

Silken  Thomas  : Brave  boys ! I am  delighted  to  hear 

you  say  that.  You  express  the  spirit  that  should 
animate  us  today — and  that  does  animate  us  all,  I 
believe. 

JERRY:  Strange  to  say,  my  lord,  we  three  have  taken 

the  liberty  to  come  to  beg  the  same  favor  at 
your  hands.  We  didn’t  come  here  together,  and  \ve 
hadn’t  talked  to  one  another  about  it. 

Silken  Thomas:  The  same  favor!  What  is  it,  boys? 

Jerry:  We  implore  your  permission,  my  lord,  to  fight 

with  the  soldiers,  instead  of  playing  our  musical 
instruments. 

The  Other  Three:  Yes,  yes,  Lord  Thomas.  Kindly 
allow  us  to  take  part  in  the  fighting. 

Silken  Thomas:  But  by  playing  your  musical  instru- 

ments you  really  take  part  in  the  battles.  You  risk 
your  lives  the  same  as  the  soldiers  do;  and  your 
martial  tunes  not  only  keep  up  but  intensify  the 
courage  and  the  fighting  spirit  of  the  troops.  Your 
instruments  are,  in  your  hands,  as  effective  weapons 
as  are  the  blades  and  the  muskets  in  the  hands  of 
the  soldiers. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


79 


Mike  : But  we're  convinced,  my  lord,  that  we  could  do 

more  for  Ireland  with  swords  and  guns  than  with 
our  music.  There  are  minstrels  enough  with  the 
troops  without  us.  Kindly  grant  us  the  favor  we 
humbly  beg  of  your  lordship. 

Silken  Thomas:  Yours  is  such  as  unusual  request 
that  I readily  comply  with  it. 

The  Three  : Thank  you,  Lord  Thomas  ; thank  you. 

[Exit  Silken  Thomas] 

Jerry:  Before  we  part  with  our  instruments  let  us  play 

a few  tunes. 

Barney:  We've  played  enough  with  them  already. 

We're  'soldiers  now  and  not  musicians.  Let’s  stick 
to  our  new  profession. 

Mike:  You're  right.  We've  got  leave  to  change  our 

instruments,  and  the  sooner  we  take  advantage  of 
the  permission  the  better.  It  will  take  us  some 
time  to  get  used  to  our  new  ones. 

Jerry:  But,  God  save  us  from  all  harm!  this  may  be 

the  last  time  that  we  will  have  an  opportunity  to 
play  together.  One  of  us,  two  of  us — ay,  the  whole 
three  of  us — may  be  killed. 

Barney:  Or  crippled.  You're  right,  Jerry.  This  may 

be  the  last  tune  any  of  us  will  ever  play.  Sayr 
boys,  can  you  tell  me  how  it  is  that  the  ladies  of 
all  civilized  countries  are  so  fond  of  Irishmen? 

Jerry  : Because  they — there  are  so  many  reasons  that 

I can’t  hit  on  the  principal  one.  Let  me  see. 

( reflects ) 

Mike:  Because  we’re  such  a fine  lot  of  fellows. 

Barney  : In  what  particular  way  ? 

Mike  : In  every  way. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


‘So 


Barney  : That  would  be  going  a little  too  far  and,  be- 

sides, it  would  be  too  general.  I’ll  tell  you  why.  It 
is  because  Irishmen  do  everything  the  ladies  tell 
them  to  do  and  lot  of  things  the  ladies  don't  ask 
them  to  do.  And  what  more  could  they  do  for  the 
ladies  ? 

Jerry:  Nothing  more,  indeed.  Was  I telling  you 

about  the  narrow  escape  I had  recently  from  the 
bullet  of  a cowardly  Sassenah? 

Mike:  You  didn't  say  anything  about  it  to  me. 

Barney:  Nor  to  me.  How  did  it  happen? 

Jerry:  He  was  a spy  and  was  skulking  behind  the 

trunk  of  a big  oak-tree  when  I happened  to  pass 
by.  As  soon  as  my  back  was  turned  and  I had 
walked  about  twenty  feet  he  fired  at  me.  The  bullet 
knocked  my  caubeen  off,  and  when  I looked  behind 
me  I saw  him  running  along  a boreen  through  the 
woods  as  if  the  Dheeowl  himself  was  after  him. 

Mike:  Faith,  you  had  a narrow  escape,  Jerry.  Some 

poor  old  woman  that  you  befriended,  or  a young 
one  that  likes  you,  must  have  been  praying  for  you. 

Barney  : Did  you  follow  him  ? 

Jerry:  I did. 

Barney:  Did  you  overtake  him? 

Jerry:  I did. 

Mike:  What  happened  then? 

JERRY : He’ll  never  sin  again. 

f They  play  several  tunes  and  go  off] 

[Enter  Silken  Thomas  hastily  zvith  a dispatch 
in  his  hand , followed  by  a soldier . He  sits  at  the 
little  camp  table  and  reads  the  dispatch . Then  he 
writes  a reply  and  hands  it  to  the  soldier,  who 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


8l 


salutes  him  and  goes  out ♦ Silken  Thomas  rises 
and  quickly  walks  from  right  to  left  and  back.] 

[Enter  a soldier  with  a dispatch  which  he  hands 
to  Silken  Thomas  after  the  usual  military  salute . 
Exit  Soldier . Silken  Thomas  reads  the  dispatch , 
and  then  rises  quickly  to  his  feet.] 

Silken  Thomas: 

What  evil  news  is  this?  Mavnooth  has  fallen; 

Less  through  the  overwhelming  force  of  those 
Who  my  ancestral  stronghold  had  besieged 
Than  through  the  treachery  of  some  Sassenah  louts 
Amongst  its  brave  defenders;  Skeffington, 

The  new-appointed  Deputy,  ensconced 

Within  its  grudging  walls,  from  which  there  hang 

The  bodies  of  slain,  consecrated  priests, 

Friends  of  my  house,  and,  more  important  still, 

My  suffering  country’s  cause.  But  very  soon 
Maynooth  shall  be  re-captured,  and  the  heads 
Of  Skeffington  and  his  chief  officers 
Shall  on  its  turrets  be  enspiked. 

[Enter  an  Irish  Oeeicer] 

Irish  Oeeicer:  My  lord,  those  disaffected  Sassenah 

soldiers  who  were  so  fond  of  boasting  of  their 
ardent  loyalty  to  you  and  the  noble  cause  in  which 
we  are  engaged,  have  run  away — deserted — in  a 
body;  ample  proof  of  preconcerted  treachery. 

Silken  Thomas: 

Traitors  here, 

In  my  own  camp ! The  fault  is  mine.  I should 
Their  fealty  have  mistrusted  from  the  first, 

Since  they  are  Sassenahs.  But  there  yet  remain 
Enough  of  my  own  countrymen  to  win 


82  SILKEN  THOMAS 

The  patriotic  triumph  that  we  seek, 

And  shall  achieve  if  we  this  battle  win. 

O’Connor's  and  O’Connell's  men  are  here, 

Bold  soldiers  every  one;  and  now  O’Byrne, 
O’Donnell  and  O’Neill,  with  forces  strong. 

Are  marching  hither.  With  such  brave  allies 
The  sacred  purpose  which  inflames  my  heart 
With  patriotic  fire,  and  unto  which 
My  life  is  consecrated — to  destroy 
The  domination  of  the  alien  foe, 

To  banish  every  vestige  of  his  power — 

Will  be  accomplished  soon. 

[Enter  O’Byrne,  accompanied  by  Moira] 
Silken  Thomas  ( shaking  him  by  the  hand ) : 

The  brave  O’Byrne  ! 

The  O’Byrne: 

Who  with  his  clan  has  hastened  here  to  join 
Your  valiant  followers  in  striking  down 
The  invading  Sassenahs'  power;  in  setting  free 
Our  motherland  from  his  despotic  grasp. 
O’Donnell  and  his  men  are  not  far  off ; 

O’Neill  is  coming  also,  with  the  flower 
Of  his  intrepid  army. 

Silken  Thomas  (to  Moira) 

Thou  too  here ! 

[To  the  O’Byrne] 

But  why  expose  this  gentle  spouse  of  thine 
To  war’s  rude  perils? 

O’Byrne  : I could  not  keep  her  back.  She  has  organized 

A corps  of  nurses  for  the  wounded. 

Silken  Thomas:  That 

Is  strongest,  clearest  proof  that  could  be  given 
Of  noblest  patriotism.  Self-sacrifice 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


33 


The  patriot's  brightest  mark  must  ever  be. 

Still;  I would  rather  see  this  post  of  honor, 

So  fraught  with  danger,  filled  by  some  one  else. 
Moira  : 

We  Irishwomen  always  are  prepared 
To  risk  our  lives  for  our  dear  country’s  cause. 
Silken  Thomas: 

Fair  heroine!  Devotion  such  as  thine 
Trebles  our  courage,  fortifies  our  hope, 

And  adds  fresh  ardor  to  our  high  resolve 
To  be  successful  in  this  final  stage 
Of  our  great,  patriotic  enterprise. 

Moira  ( Going  out)  : 

We  shall  succeed! 

The  O’Byrne:  Let  me  congratulate  you  on  the  vic- 
tories you  have  won.  They  have  struck  terror  to 
King  Henry’s  heart. 

Silken  Thomas: 

Have  you  heard  any  tidings  from  Dublin? 

The  O’ByrnE:  Sir  William  Skeffington,  who  fills 

again  the  office  of  Lord  Deputy,  has  returned  to 
Dublin,  and  has  announced  that  in  the  Castle  he 
will  henceforth  stay,  leaving  to  younger  men  the 
task  of  leading  the  campaign  against  us.  But  it 
is  known  that  he  has  been  superseded  as  Lord 
Deputy  by  another. 

Silken  Thomas  : I may  perhaps  once  more  lay  siege 

to  Dublin. 

The  O’Byrne:  It  was  a daring  feat — your  capture  of 

that  city  at  the  head  of  but  a few  retainers.  Now 
the  King,  petitioned  by  the  Sassenahs  of  the  Pale, 
has  sent  across  Lord  Leonard  Grey 


84 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Silken  Thomas:  My  kinsman;  and  no  mean  soldier. 
O'Byrne:  In  supreme  command  of  military  matters  in 

this  country  and  Lord  Deputy  in  everything  but 
name,  he's  advancing  here  with  re-enforcements. 
Silken  Thomas: 

He'll  get  a warm  reception  when  he  comes! 

[Sound  of  musketry.  The  March  ‘‘O'Donnell 
Aboo”  is  heard  in  the  distance .] 

O'Byrne  : O'Donnell's  force  is  here. 

Silken  Thomas: 

That  fighting  tune 

Reminds  me  of  the  war-cry  of  my  house, 

That  has  been  heard  on  many  a battlefield, 

But  never  yet  in  such  a righteous  cause 
As  this  for  which  we  are  struggling. 

O'Byrne:  “Crom  Aboo!” 

A battle-cry  that  pledges  victory! 

[Enter  O'Donnell’s  clan  marching  to  “O’Don- 
nell Aboo,”  as  in  Act  I.  The  march  “Garryowen” 
follows , O'Byrne  exclaiming : " These  are  my  men.” 
When  they  have  passed  on,  O'Donnell  enters  the 
tent  and  greets  Silken  Thomas  and  The 
O'Byrne.] 

Silken  Thomas: 

This  coming  battle  with  the  Sassenah  hordes 
Will  be  decisive.  Therefore,  let  our  plans 
Be  thoroughly  discussed  and  carried  out 
With  vigor  and  precision.  Let  us  survey 
Out  actual  position,  and  take  note 
Of  what  advantages  it  offers  us. 

O'Donnell:  An  excellent  location  we  have  here,  with 

scope  for  admirable  strategy’. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


85 


O’Byrne  (to  O’Donnell)  : Moira  is  here,  with  nurses 
for  our  men. 

O’Donnell  : Good ! I would  like  to  see  her. 

O’Byrne:  Come  along. 

[ To  Silken  Thomas] 

We  shall  return  anon. 

[O’Byrne  and  O’Donnell  going  off.] 

Silken  Thomas: 

Pray,  wait  while. 

Bad  news  has  reached  me  from  Maynooth.  That 
great 

And  storied  stronghold  of  our  hardy  house 
Has  just  surrendered  to  old  Skeffington. 

He  must  have  captured  it  ere  he  returned 
To  Dublin.  Sassenah  traitors  were,  it  seems, 
Within  its  walls,  unknown  and  unsuspected. 

They  helped  my  enemies  when  it  was  besieged. 

I counted  on  their  loyalty. 

O’Byrne  : Grave  mistake ! Experience  has,  in  more 

than  one  event,  proved  that  the  Sassenah  never 
should  be  trusted. 

O’Donnell:  Ay — sad  experience  too. 

Silken  Thomas: 

I know  that  well. 

I always  have  distrusted  them,  although 
My  father  counted  on  their  faithfulness. 

Another  instance  of  their  treachery 
Occurred  within  this  hour.  A small  brigade 
Composed  of  them  entirely,  who  have  fought 
With  me  in  many  a recent  battle,  have 
Deserted  in  a body. 


86 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


O’Donnell:  Happy  riddance!  Our  ranks  are  now 

made  up  of  our  own  men,  whom  we  can  trust  with- 
out the  least  misgiving. 

O'Byrne  : On  native  arms  the  patriot  must  rely. 

[ Enter  an  Irish  Soldier.] 

Soldier  (to  Silken  Thomas)  : Our  scouts  have 

finished  reconnoitering.  They  report  that  we  have 
a marked  advantage  over  the  enemy  in  position ; but 
he  is  somewhat  superior  in  respect  of  numbers. 

[Silken  Thomas  motions  to  the  Soldier  to 
retire . Exit  Soldier,  after  saluting .] 

Silken  Thomas: 

But  dash  and  bravery  always  did  outpoint 
Superiority  in  numbers. 

O’Byrne  : 

When 

A nation’s  freedom  is  at  stake. 

[“Parley”  bugle  sounds.] 

Silken  Thomas: 

What’s  that? 

A bugle  sound  of  parley.  What  is  up? 

[Enter  an  English  Officer  in  red  uniform 
with  a flag  of  truce.] 

English  Officer:  Lord  Thomas,  I presume? 

[Silken  Thomas  nods  assent.] 

English  Officer: 

Lord  Leonard  Grey, 

Who  of  King  Henry’s  army  in  this  land 
Is  now  supreme  commander,  sent  me  here 
To  tell  thee,  as  a kinsman  and  a friend, 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


87 


That  he  requests  a parley,  with  the  view 
Of  ending  further,  useless  strife.  He  prays 
That,  facing  sure  defeat,  disgrace  and  death, 

Thou  shouldst  lay  down  thine  arms. 

Silken  Thomas  ( with  animation ) : 

Lay  down  my  arms ! 

Give  up  this  righteous  struggle ! Yield ! Have  I 
Thy  message  heard  aright?  He  is  distraught, 

Or  much  misunderstands  me.  Sassenah,  go ! 

Tell  Grey  this  war  for  Ireland’s  freedom  shall 
Go  on  till  victory  has  been  achieved, 

Or  my  brave,  faithful  followers  and  myself 
Have  on  the  altar  of  our  country’s  cause 
Our  mingled  life-blood  poured. 

English  Oeeicer  : Lord  Leonard  Grey  has  written 
thee  this  letter. 

[He  hands  a document  to  Silken  Thomas.] 

Silken  Thomas  ( reading ) : “Beloved  Cousin:  It  were 

impossible  not  to  admire  the  rare  courage,  high 
military  ability,  and  consummate  strategy  with 
which  you  have  hitherto  conducted  this  insensate 
and,  so  far  as  you  are  personally  concerned,  foolish 
and  unprovoked  rebellion  against  your  King.  I am 
charged,  however,  by  your  noble  father,  who  is 
suffering  from  a dangerous  sickness,  brought  on 
by  grief,  humiliation,  and  shame  at  your  disloyal 
conduct,  to  beseech  you  to  lay  down  your  arms  and 
to  disperse  your  men,  not  only  as  an  act  of  loyalty 
and  submission  to  your  sovereign,  but  as  the  sole 
condition  upon  which  he — your  noble  father — can 
be  released  from  the  Tower  and  be  permitted  to 
return  to  his  native  land.  The  King  empowers  me 


88 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


to  offer  you,  in  return,  full  pardon  for  your  heinous 
crime  of  high  treason  against  his  Majesty. 

Leonard  Grey" 

[O’Byrne  and  O’Donnell  whisper  to  each 
other  excitedly .] 

Silken  Thomas: 

My  father  living  still ! Thank  Heaven  for  that ! 
And,  by  desisting  from  all  further  strife, 

I can  restore  him  liberty  and  health 

For,  by  this  time,  he  must  prostrated  be 
By  my  rash-seeming  conduct,  unaware 
Of  what  my  motives  and  my  reasons  were. 

[He  pauses] 

Yet  what  a sacrifice  this  means  to  me! 

To  lay  down  arms  upon  the  very  eve 
Of  that  bright,  happy  day  for  which  I’ve  yearned 
And  fought  with  all  my  might — the  glorious  day 
On  which,  my  country ! I had  hoped  to  place 
The  diadem  of  Freedom  on  thy  brow. 

My  father  living  still ! His  future  fate 
In  my  own  hands ! 

English  Officer: 

Lord  Grey  will  hither  come 
When  thou  thy  men  hast  ordered  to  return 
A league  from  hence.  He  craves  an  interview 
For  this  sole  purpose — that  he  may  excite 
Enough  paternal  love  within  thy  breast 
To  end  thine  ailing  father’s  sore  suspense. 

His  life  is  now  imperilled.  Thy  reply? 

Silken  Thomas:  . 

My  men  are  ready  to  advance;  they  now 
Await  my  orders.  But  this  fateful  news 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


89 


Upsets  my  plans.  They  shall  retire  at  once 
The  stipulated  distance.  How  I yearn 
To  see  my  valiant  father  once  again! 

O’Byrne  and  O’Donnell  ( together ) : No,  No,  No! 
Silken  Thomas  ( to  English  Oeeicer)  : 

Thou  wilt  retire  until  I summon  thee. 

[Exit  English  Officer] 

O’Byrne  {hotly)  : 

It  would  be  worse  than  folly, — nay,  a crime — 

A base  betrayal  of  our  country’s  cause — 

To  let  this  splendid  opportunity 
Of  crushing,  once  for  all,  our  Sassenah  foe 
Pass  unavailed  of. 

O’Donnell:  It  were  very  madness!  And  traitorous 

also. 

Silken  Thomas: 

Listen,  friends, 

Before  you  both  so  bitterly  condemn  me. 

My  father’s  life  is  to  his  native  land 
As  precious  as  it  is  to  me,  his  son. 

That  life  is  hanging  in  the  balance  now. 
O’Donnell  : So,  too,  is  Ireland’s  liberty. 

O’Byrne  : Reflect. 

Through  thee  we  pledged  our  honor  and  our  swords 
To  Ireland’s  national  cause. 

Silken  Thomas  {placing  his  hand  upon  his  forehead)  : 
I thought  him  murdered. 

O’Donnell: 

Then  it  was  rather  to  avenge  his  death 
Than  try  to  liberate  thy  country  from 
The  invaders’  cruel  and  despotic  yoke, 

That  thou  didst  organize  this  armed  revolt? 


9o 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Silken  Thomas: 

Hush!  Speak  not  thus  to  me.  ( Looking  upward.) 

Great  God!  Thou  knowest 
It  was  my  father’s  rumored  taking  off 
That,  for  the  first  time,  made  me  realize 
My  solemn  duty  to  my  native  land. 

A moment  since,  I faltered;  quite  upset 
By  the  assurance  that  my  father  lives. 

I shall  receive  Lord  Grey ; and  to  his  face 
Refuse  with  his  conditions  to  comply, 

Even  at  the  awful  price  that  he  exacts — 

My  much-loved  father’s  death.  Retire,  my  friends, 
Retire  the  stipulated  distance  with 
My  army  ready  at  a moment’s  call 
To  give  quick  battle  to  our  enemy. 

O'Donnell:  Thy  order  I obey,  but  under  protest. 

O'Byrne:  And  so  do  I,  and  with  a troubled  heart. 

[Exeunt  O’Byrne  and  O’Donnell.] 

Silken  Thomas: 

I’ll  tell  that  Sassenah  officer  I consent 
To  hold  a parley  with  Lord  Leonard  Grey. 

[Exit] 

[Enter  one  of  Silken  Thomas’  soldiers .] 

Soldier  ( looking  around  him)  : Musha,  where  is  our 

great  leader,  Silken  Thomas?  I could  have  sworn 
I saw  him  a minute  ago.  Well,  of  course,  he’s  giv- 
ing orders  about  the  great  battle  that  will  soon  be- 
gin. I believe  it  will  be  sharp  and  short;  and  then 
we’ll  bid  farewell  to  the  cursed  Sassenah.  Oh,  but 
this  will  be  a grand  day  for  Old  Ireland ! All  the 
murders  and  all  the  massacres  that  we  have  been 
the  victims  of,  will  be  avenged  today!  Thankful 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


91 


am  I that  I have  been  spared  to  take  part  in  this 
fight.  If  I’m  mortally  wounded  I’ll  be  happy,  with 
your  name,  Green  Erin!  agra  machree!  upon  my 
dying  lips. 

[Enter  another  of  Silken  Thomas’  soldiers] 

Second  Soldier:  What  do  you  think  of  this  latest 
mysterious  move,  Shamus? 

First  Soldier:  What  move  do  you  mean,  Terry? 

Second  Soldier:  Our  army  is  slowly  retreating — to 

what  part  I don’t  know.  There’s  only  a handful 
of  us  left  here  to  act  as  body-guard  over  Silken 
Thomas. 

Second  Soldier:  But  I heard  both  these  chieftains, 

before  they  mounted  their  horses,  to  lead  their  fol- 
lowers towards  our  retreating  forces,  say  strange 
things.  “I  doubt  the  wisdom  of  Silken  Thomas 
in  ordering  this  temporary  retreat,”  said  one.  “I 
doubt  it  also,  as  you  know,”  said  the  other.  And  he 
added:  “But  since  he’s  the  Commander-in-Chief 

there’s  nothing  for  us  to  do  but  to  obey.”  I think, 
Shamus,  there’s  something  wrong  somewhere. 

First  Soldier:  Ah,  what’s  the  use  of  worrying?  It’s 

time  enough  to  bid  the  divil  “good  morning”  when 
you  meet  him. 

[Terry  gazes  out  through  the  entrance  to  the 
T ent\ 

Terry  : Come  and  look,  Shamus.  I’m  afraid  I can’t 

believe  my  eyes.  See!  Here’s  a company  of  the 
enemy  approaching  us,  holding  aloft  flags  of  truce. 
What  do  they  want? 

[Shamus  looks  out] 

Shamus  : Why,  it’s  as  plain  as  a pike-staff.  They  are 
coming  to  ask  Silken  Thomas  to  give  them  easy 


92 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


terms  if  they  surrender.  They’re  afraid  to  fight  us. 
I’m  very  sorry.  I never  felt  more  anxious  to  kill 
half  a dozen  red-coats  than  I do  now. 

Terry:  I share  your  anxiety  in  that  line. 

[Re-enter  Silken  Thomas] 

Terry:  My  lord,  I can’t  understand 

Silken  Thomas: 

’Tis  simply  this : Lord  Grey,  in  chief  command 
Of  all  the  Sassenah  forces  here,  desires 
To  hold  a parley  with  me.  Please  withdraw. 

[The  two  soldiers  withdraw ] 

[Enter  Lord  Leonard  Grey,  with  numerous 
followers,  who  slowly  surround  Silken  Thomas] 

Lord  Grey: 

Impetuous,  traitorous,  and  unwary  youth! 

Upon  a triumph  with  such  ease  achieved 
I had  not  counted.  Seize  the  traitor, — quick ! 
Silken  Thomas  ( struggling ) : 

What  infamy  is  this  ? 

Lord  Grey: 

A simple  trap 

That  I prepared  for  thee,  and  into  which 
Thou  hast  with  crass  credulity  now  fallen. 

To  London  Tower  thou  shalt  at  once  proceed, 

To  share  thy  father’s  fate. 

Silken  Thomas:  Then  he  was  slain? 

Lord  Grey: 

He  only  paid  the  penalty  incurred 
By  treachery  to  his  King.  A similar  doom 
Thou  hast  much  more  deserved  than  he,  and  soon 
Wilt  suffer. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


93 


Silken  Thomas  ( after  again  vainly  trying  to  release 
himself ) : 

’Tis  too  true.  I am  entrapped. 

Perfidious  Sassenah ! Hell  has  never  held 
A falser,  viler  miscreant  than  thou! 

Lord  Grey  (to  his  men)  : Take  him  along.  We  have 

no  time  to  lose. 

[End  oe  Act  IV.] 


ACT  V. 


Scene  I. — Tyburn,  near  London.  Morning.  The  old 
gallows,  “TybunTs  triple  tree/’  close  by.  A year 
and  a half  are  supposed  to  have  elapsed  since  the 
Fourth  Act. 

[ Enter  De  La  Hide,  disguised  as  an  English 
peasant.] 

De  La  Hide  (peering  around  him)  : 

Is  this  the  place?  (Sees  the  gallows)  Ay,  there 
the  gallows  stands — 

The  ghastly  instrument  by  which  man’s  law 
The  calls  of  justice  executes  or  thwarts, 

And  murder  oft  by  murder  is  avenged. 

[Enter  O’Donnell,  also  disguised  as  an 
English  peasant.] 

O’Donnell  (to  De  La  Hide)  : 

A cold  and  gloomy  day.  Thou  hast  come  here 
To  see  the  Irish  rebel  leader  hanged  ? 


94 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Dk  La  Hide  ( eyeing  hint  suspiciously)  : 

What  boots  it  if  I have?  And  yet,  methinks, 

It  were  a satisfaction  to  behold 

A traitor  expiating  with  his  life 

His  horrid  crime.  I'll  stay  to  see  him  die. 

They  say  that  he  is  noble,  young  and  brave, 

And  battled  like  a hero. 

O’Donnell  : 

So  I heard. 

A rumor  adds : it  was  his  father’s  death 
Upon  the  block,  by  order  of  the  King, 

That  drove  him  to  rebellion.  Dost  thou  know 
If  that  is  true? 

De  La  Hide: 

I heard  that  story,  too; 
But  whether  it  is  false  or  true,  is  more 
Than  I can  tell.  Of  these  affairs  of  state 
Men  of  the  class  ’mongst  whom  my  way  of  life 
Is  laid  can  know  but  little. 

O’Donnell  : 

I have  asked 

About  his  father’s  crime,  but  have  not  learned 
The  nature  of  his  guilt. 

De  La  Hide: 

If  innocent 

His  father  was,  then  what  a pity  ’tis ! 

O’Donnell: 

Ay,  what  a pity!  Is  it  possible 

That  guiltless  men  can  such  an  awful  doom 

In  silence  suffer? 

De  La  Hide: 


In  this  wicked  world 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


95 


Few  things  repugnant  to  the  moral  law 
Can  surely  be  declared  impossible. 

O’Donnell  : “All  things  are  possible,”  they  say  in 

France. 

De  La  Hide  ( eagerly ) : Then  thou  hast  been  in  France? 
O’Donnell:  A little  while. 

De  La  Hide:  I,  too,  have  been  in  France. 

O’Donnell: 

A sprightly  lot 

Those  Frenchmen  are.  Politeness,  elegance, 

And  wit  seem  with  them  born. 

De  La  Hide: 

I think  they  are 

A trifle  too  polite. 

O’Donnell: 

Politeness  gives 

The  grace  and  dignity  that  social  life 
Derives  its  charm  from ; and  it  seems  to  be 
A happy  fault  indeed  to  have  too  much. 

De  La  Hide: 

More  oft  it  is  assumed  than  felt.  At  best, 

’Tis  artificial. 

O’Donnell  : 

That  I do  not  grant. 
But  even  if  it  were  so,  is  it  not 
An  aspect  of  the  beauty  of  the  mind? 

De  La  Hide: 

From  motive  only  every  merit  springs. 

In  what  a strange  direction  have  our  thoughts 
Begun  to  drift!  (He  furtively  scans  O’Donnell) 
(Aside)  He  is  not  what  he  seems. 

I must  be  guarded  in  my  speech  with  him. 


g6  SILKEN  THOMAS 

O’Donnell  (Aside) : 

A polished  gentleman  is  here  disguised. 

Is  it  through  adverse  fortune  or  design 
He  wears  that  lowly  garb?  I am  afraid 
I’ve  been  imprudent  saying  what  I said. 

(Aloud) 

Thou  hast  the  air  and  tone  of  one  whose  breast 
Smarts  with  a sense  of  wrong  or  grief. 

De  La  Hide:  Of  both. 

O’Donnell: 

Thou  hast  my  sympathy.  Command  my  aid 
If  aught  it  may  avail  thee,  and  thy  cause 
Is  square  with  justice. 

De  La  Hide  : 

Truth  and  honesty 

Such  frank  and  generous  impulses  denote. 

But  we  are  strangers. 

O’Donnell  : 

In  my  native  land 

A stranger  holds  a passport  to  our  hearts. 

De  La  Hide  : Thy  birthplace,  then,  is  Ireland. 
O’Donnell:  So  is  thine. 

De  La  Hide  : Whence  this  conclusion  ? 

O’Donnell  : 

By  thy  promptitude 
In  ascertaining  where  I first  saw  light. 

A strange  encounter  this,  at  such  an  hour, 

In  such  a place ! 

De  La  Hide  : 

Perhaps  a kindred  thought 

Has  led  us  hither. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


97 


O'Donnell  : 

Memory  whispers  me 

That  we  have  met  before. 

De  La  Hide  : 

It  speaks  the  truth. 
I am  not  unfamiliar  with  thy  voice. 

Already  have  I recognized  thee.  (O'Donnell  starts ) 
Thou 

Amongst  his  friends  wert  numbered,  so  was  I. 

Thou  art  O’Donnell  ( They  shake  hands)  of  the 
faithful  North. 

O’Donnell  : 

And  who  art  thou? 

De  La  Hide  : 

My  name  is  De  La  Hide. 

O’Donnell  : 

Sir  James,  this  meeting  to  an  aching  heart 
Brings  welcome  balm. 

De  La  Hide  : 

The  grief  we  know  is  shared 
Stings  less  than  that  which  we  alone  must  bear. 

Of  this  encounter  I am  doubly  glad. 

Immured  in  prison  since  young  Lord  Kildare, 

At  the  beginning  of  his  just  revolt, 

O’er  captured  Dublin  raised  his  Silken  flag, 

And  only  yesterday  released,  I thirst 
For  information  touching  the  events 
Of  the  remainder  of  the  brief  career 
That  ends  this  morning  here. 

O’Donnell  : 

That  bright,  sad  tale, 
Admits  of  brief  narration.  Forth  he  went 
And  battled  fiercely  with  his  country’s  foes ; 


9§. 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


And  triumph  after  triumph  he  achieved. 

Week  followed  week,  and  month  succeeded  month; 
And  still  he  fought,  relentless,  tireless,  till, 

His  strong-hold  at  Maynooth  by  treachery  lost, 
And  he  campaigning  in  the  south,  betrayed 
By  alien  plotters  in  his  chosen  ranks, 

An  easy  victim  to  a cunning  plot, 

Having  confided  in  the  solemn  pledge 
His  false-tongued,  sinuous  kinsman,  Grey,  had  given, 
He  stopped  hostilities,  and  from  the  field 
Retired,  as  in  his  candor  he  believed, 

With  all  the  honors  of  the  righteous  war. 

What  followed  ? He  was  captured,  chained,  and  sent 
To  London,  where  in  jail  he  has  been  kept 
Until  this  hour.  His  uncles  share  his  fate. 

De  La  Hide  : 

What?  Silken  Thomas  ceased  to  battle  ere 
He  gained  the  end  for  which  he  bravely  fought: 
To  bless  with  liberty  his  native  land? 

That  is  astonishing.  I would  have  sworn 
He  had  preferred  to  die. 

O’Donnell  : 

He  did  not  yield 

To  force  superior  or  through  lack  of  will 
To  keep  on  fighting,  as  thou  hast  surmised. 

Tyrants  may  kill — they  cannot  conquer — men 
Of  his  heroic  parts.  He  was  deceived. 

Lord  Grey  assured  him  that  his  father  lived, 

And  that  the  rumor  that  he  was  beheaded 
Was  fabricated  by  the  men  who  schemed 
His  aged  father's  ruin  and  his  own. 

De  La  Hide  (gazing  in  the  distance)  : 

Now  starts  the  sad  procession.  In  its  midst 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


99 


Walks,  firm  of  step  and  calm  of  visage,  he 
Whose  bosom  once  enclosed  a nation's  fate. 
O’Donnell  ( gazing  in  the  same  direction ) : Death 

holds  no  bitterness  for  such  as  he. 

De  La  Hide: 

How  could  it?  To  the  virtuous  and  the  brave 
Death  is  the  only  portal  that  admits 
To  real  life.  Beyond  that  sombre  gate 
LTnconscious  worth  its  guerdon  will  receive, 
Surprised  at  merits  of  desires  and  deeds 
So  seeming  trivial  that  they  were  forgot. 

[He  pauses] 

Let  us  avert  our  faces  when  he  comes, 

Lest  he  should  recognize  us.  If  he  did, 

His  mind,  now  tranquil  with  its  sense  of  right, 
Might  with  emotion  be  disturbed. 

O’Donnell  : 

If  we 

Could  rescue  him  by  giving  up  our  lives 
For  his,  how  happy  both  of  us  would  die ! 

De  La  Hide  : 

Alas ! ’Twere  worse  than  useless  to  essay 
To  help  him  now.  Our  lives  would  wantonly, 

In  fatuous,  hopeless,  and  inglorious  strife, 

Be  thrown  away.  But  to  the  sacred  cause 
For  which  he  dies — the  cause  which  is  our  own — 
We  also  can  devote  our  lives. 

O’Donnell  : 

I see, 

Beside  the  hero,  keeping  step  with  him, 

The  patriotic  prelate,  brave  MacHugh, 

His  post  of  double  duty  occupying 
As  priest  and  friend. 


IOO 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


De  La  Hide: 

His  presence  now  will  soothe 
The  final  moments  of  our  youthful  chief. 

O’Donnell  : 

How  sad,  humiliating,  is  our  sense 
Of  abject  helplessness,  when  on  our  ears 
The  plaintive  and  emergent  voice  of  need 
Must,  as  it  were,  unheeded  fall ! My  soul 
Is  wrung  with  bitterness,  as  well  as  grief. 

{with  sudden  energy ) 

Oh,  for  a squadron  of  Tvrconnell’s  men ! 

De  La  Hide: 

’Tis  difficult  to  check  a pitying  tear 
When  thinking  of  the  death  he  now  must  die 
On  yonder  cursed  gibbet,  in  the  spring 
And  primal  fragrance  of  his  manhood’s  years. 

In  vain  will  chivalry’s  emblazoned  scroll 
Be  scanned  for  knightlier  life  or  death  than  his. 

O’Donnell  : 

It  is  a wonder  that  he  has  survived 
The  treatment  that  the  brutal  Sassenah 
Have  made  him  undergo  since  his  arrest. 

In  foulest  dungeon  they  have  kept  him  chained 
For  many  agonizing  months,  as  though 
He  were  the  vilest  malefactor  born, 

Instead  of  being  a prisoner  of  war.  -V 

To  him,  so  gently  murtured,  so  refined, 

That  daily,  nightly,  torture  must  have  brought 
As  dreadful  pangs  as  could  the  flames  of  hell. 

This  morning’s  hangings  will  exterminate 
The  famous  family  of  the  Geraldines. 


SIEKEN  THOMAS 


IOI 


First  went  the  Chieftain,  murdered  in  the  Tower; 
And  now  his  brave,  young,  patriotic  son. 

[points  to  the  gallows] 

De  La  Hide: 

On  one  important  point  thou  art  mistaken. 

This  most  atrocious  butchery  will  not 
Accomplish  its  foul  purpose.  There  remains 
The  brother  of  Lord  Thomas,  twelve  years  old, 
For  whom  they  now  are  searching,  with  the  view 
Of  also  putting  him  to  death. 

[lowers  his  voice ] He  is 

Concealed  in  France — and  thus  the  noble  line 
Of  valorous  Kildares  will  be  preserved 
Despite  the  murderous  wishes  of  the  King. 

O’DonneUv  : 

A brother  but  a dozen  years  of  age ! 

I had  not  heard  of  him  before.  God  grant 
Him  safety,  health,  and  vigorous  manhood,  till 
He  shall,  returning  to  his  native  land, 

Wreak  vengeance  on  the  slayer  of  his  kin, 

The  vile  oppressors  of  his  native  land ! 

[Enter  two  English  Workmen.] 

First  Workman  ( looking  up  at  the  gallows)  : The 

gibbet  prepared  again ! Who’s  to  be  hanged  this 
time,  I wonder? 

Second  Workman:  Didn’t  you  hear  about  it  yet? 

Why,  a whole  half  dozen  of  those  low  Irish  rebels, 
all  belonging  to  the  same  disloyal  family.  The 
troublesome  brood  will  now  be  all  wiped  out. 

First  Workman:  A good  riddance!  Let’s  wait  to  see 

them  dangle. 


102 


SILKEN  THOMAS 


Second  Workman  : But  I've  some  work  to  do.  I must 

be  off  at  once.  Business  before  pleasure,  you  know. 

First  Workman:  Away  with  work  this  forenoon.  I’d 
gladly  lose  two  days’  wages  to  see  these  Irish  hang- 
ings. It  is  something  that  doesn’t  happen  every  day. 

Second  Workman:  I’ve  a half  mind  to  stay.  Yet — 

First  Workman  ( looking ) : Why,  one  of  them  is 
coming  now. 

Second  Workman  ( looking  in  the  same  direction ) : He 
is  indeed.  I’ll  wait  to  see  the  sport. 

First  Workman:  When  this  Irish  rebel  has  been 

hanged,  and  his  head  has  been  cut  off  and  stuck 
on  that  spike  up  there,  I’ll  throw  stones  at  it. 

Second  Workman:  I’ll  join  you  in  the  fun. 

De  La  Hide  (to  O’Donnell)  : 

List  to  those  Sassenah  rascals.  How  they  gloat 
O’er  an  approaching  massacre,  like  fiends. 

Because  the  victims  are  all  Irishmen 
They  call  it  sport. 

O'Donnell  : 

The  heartless  ruffians!  I 
Shall  make  them  eat  their  words,  or  send  them 
sprawling 
Upon  the  ground. 

De  La  Hide:  Nay,  don't  be  rash,  I pray. 

O’Donnell:  No  longer  can  I stand  their  brutish  glee. 

[O’Donnell  rushes  at  the  two  workmen , and 
knocks  one  dozen  after  the  other.  One  rises,  and  is 
knocked  down  again . The  other  rises  and  runs 
away,  followed  by  his  companion .] 

De  La  Hide: 

Thus  unconsidered  action  may  attract 


SIEKEN  THOMAS 


103 


To  us  attention  that  may  culminate 
In  our  arrest,  and  speedy  deathly  doom. 

O’Donnell  ( looking ) : 

There  is  no  danger.  Those  two  curs  are  running 
In  opposite  direction  to  the  gang 
Of  Sassenah  soldiery  that  hither  come. 

[Enter  O’Byrne  and  Moira,  both  disguised .J 
Moira  (to  O’Byrne)  : That  is  my  brother’s  voice. 
O’Byrne : 

I hope  it  is. 

He  promised  he  would  meet  us  here,  so  that 
We  three  might  take  a final,  farewell  look 
Into  the  youthful  patriot-martyr’s  face, 

Ere  death  released  the  soul  that  through  it  shined. 
Moira:  And  his  companion — who  is  he,  I wonder? 

O’Byrne  : If  ’tis  your  brother  I shall  quickly  know. 

[He  addresses  a greeting  in  Gaelic  to 
O’Donneel,  who  rushes  to  him  zvith  out-stretched 
hand.] 

O’Donneee  : 

I feared  that  you  had  lost  your  way,  or  had 
Been  misinformed  as  to  the  fatal  hour 
When  Sassenah  vengeance  will  once  more  allay 
Its  newly  whetted  thirst  for  Irish  blood. 

O’Byrne: 

We  missed  our  way,  indeed;  and  were  afraid 
That  we  should  reach  here  when  ’twould  be  too  late. 
And  your  companion  yonder,  who  is  he? 
O’Donneee  : 

Kildare’s  most  faithful  friend,  James  De  La  Hide* 
[To  Moira] 

Moira  asthoreen,  it’s  a perilous  trip 
That  you  have  taken. 


104 


silken  Thomas 


O’Byrne: 

Nothing  could  prevent 

Her  coming  here. 

[De  La  Hide  goes  over  to  O’Byrne,  O’Don- 
nell and  Moira.] 

Moira  : 

Could  I remain  away 

When  this  intrepid  Knight,  this  noble-souled, 
Pure-hearted  patriot  bows  his  youthful  head, 
Undaunted,  to  receive  the  martyr’s  crown? 

[Orchestra  plays  uSavourneen  Dheelish,}) 

[Enter  procession , Silken  Thomas,  in  chains , 
and  looking  ghastly  and  pale,  accompanied  by 
Monsignor  MacHugh,  and  preceded  and  followed 
by  soldiers .-] 

[Knell  rings] 

Silken  Thomas  : 

The  individual  dies ; the  race  lives  on 
Till  Time  his  course  has  ended.  It  is  thus 
With  Freedom’s  holy  cause.  When  they  are  gone 
Whose  every  thought  and  action  were  for  her, 

The  spirit  that  inflamed  their  hearts  and  minds 
Glows  brighter  still  in  those  they  leave  behind 
To  carry  on  the  noble  fight;  and  so 
No  patriot  ever  lived  or  died  in  vain. 

[Knell  tolls  again] 

[Curtain] 


End  OE  DRAMA 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


3 9031  01441006  2 


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